The Effects Of Smelling Ammonia On Acute Expression Of Strength And Power

PURPOSE: To investigate whether Smelling Ammonia positively or negatively influenced acute expression of strength and power. METHODS: Ten male cadets (21 +/- 1 year; 240 +/- 30lbs) volunteered to participate in this double-blind, repeated measures, placebo-controlled investigation. Subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: control (CON; no inhalant), Placebo (PLA; Vick’s), Inhalant (IN). Subjects conducted a standardized warm-up under the supervision of a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS). Utilizing a Tendo unit to measure peak velocity, a standard barbell was loaded to 93% of self-reported deadlift 1-Repetition Maximum (1-RM). Subjects were blindfolded then performed a 1-second maximal nasal inhalation of either CON, PLA, or IN. Blindfold was removed and subjects performed a single, maximal effort repetition. Self-reported perceptions of effort utilizing the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) from 1-10 was recorded immediately upon completion of the repetition. Interventions were switched and the procedure repeated 1-week later. Paired t-tests were used to identify potential differences between each of the three interventions. RESULTS: The use of IN demonstrated significant positive increases in power (p < 0.05) and reduction in RPE (p < 0.05) compared to both the CON and PLA. No statistically significant differences were observed between the CON and PLA groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggested that IN utilization may facilitate acute increases in the expression of strength and power. Additionally, IN may also reduce perceived exertion while lifting >90% of 1-RM deadlift. Future research should address additional factors such as peak muscle activation and potential anabolic/catabolic biomarker alternations.