Document Type : Original Article

Authors

• Adel Valipour ¹
• MOSTAFA Khani ²
• Ramin Amirsasan ¹
• Elaheh Piralaiy ¹

¹ Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

² Department of exercise physiology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran PhysioGenEx Lab, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Title: Gymnastics Conditioning & Citrulline Malate Effects on Adolescent Male Gymnasts: Hormonal, Molecular, and Power Outcomes



Introduction: High explosive power is vital in gymnastics. This study assessed an eight-week gymnastics program combined with citrulline malate supplementation on hormonal, molecular, and performance factors in adolescent male gymnasts.



Objectives: To examine the intervention’s effects on GH, IGF‑1, miR‑1, miR‑206, and explosive power.



Methods: Twenty male gymnasts (10–14 years) were randomized into Training plus Citrulline Malate (TCM) or Placebo (TPL) groups. Both followed an eight-week program: six weekly skill/conditioning sessions (60–90 min) at 60–85% MHR, emphasizing upper body power. TCM received 6g citrulline malate pre-training; TPL received placebo. GH, IGF-1 measured via ELISA. MiR‑1, miR‑206 assessed by gene expression. Explosive power tested via medicine-ball throw and Sargent jump. Data analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk, paired t-tests, ANCOVA (Bonferroni, p<0.05) in SPSS v27.



Results: TCM showed significant increases in GH (p=0.04), IGF‑1 (p=0.03), medicine-ball throw (p=0.043), and Sargent jump (p=0.003). MiR‑1 and miR‑206 significantly decreased (p<0.001). Testosterone unchanged. TCM group had greater GH, IGF‑1, and power improvements, with larger miR‑1/miR‑206 reductions versus TPL (p<0.05).



Conclusion: Eight weeks of gymnastics training plus citrulline malate enhances GH, IGF‑1, modulates muscle microRNAs, and boosts explosive power in adolescent male gymnasts. Citrulline malate may benefit young athletes in power sports.

Keywords

• Citrulline malate
• Gymnastics
• GH
• IGF 1
• miRNA