Effect of Beetroot Nitrates on Different Physical Skills in Colombian Rugby Athletes

Participants receive the beetroot and placebo in the form of waffles to ensure the study is blinded, as the 6 mmol of nitrates used require a high concentration of beetroot, which is masked by the waffle ingredients and food coloring.

The participant performs a race at maximum speed with two attempts, times are taken at 10, 30 and 40 meters, to evaluate acceleration and speed, the attempt with the shortest times is the one taken for the research.

The participant runs a distance of 20, 40, and 60 meters, back and forth, 5 times at maximum speed. The variable to be measured is the total time taken to complete the test.

Each participant performs squats and bench press to evaluate lower-body and upper-body maximal strength, thus identifying their maximum strength taken per kilogram lifted.

At the end of the tests, each participant is asked to evaluate their perception of fatigue by giving a number between 1 and 10, with 1 being the lowest level of fatigue and 10 being the highest.