Impact of spilanthol supplementation with balance training on neuromuscular performance

Abstract Background Age-related reductions in muscle mass, muscle contraction power, force, and coordination contribute to an elevated risk of falls and associated consequences. Research suggests that the enhancement of neuromuscular function is attainable through a regimen of targeted exercises and the strategic inclusion of certain supplements like spilanthol. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of resistance exercise with either spilanthol plus coordination/ balance training (BAL) or BAL-alone on neuromuscular function (countermovement jump, multiple one-leg hopping, and sit-to-stand test). Materials and methods In the course of this study, a cohort of 68 healthy male participants, aged 40 to 50 years, completed a rigorous 6-month intervention, from the initial 75 recruits. In the spilanthol-plus-BAL group, participants engaged in 30 minutes of resistance exercise sessions four times a week, complemented by daily supplementation of 17.5 mg of spilanthol. Results The analysis of the results showed significant improvements in the spilanthol-plus-BAL group, particularly evident in the peak countermovement power (p < 0.01). The mean effect size for this parameter was a + 1.5[0.9 to 2.1] W/kg greater change in spilanthol-plus-BAL group than BAL-alone group after six months. Moreover, multiple one-leg hopping performance showed significant enhancement in the spilanthol-plus-BAL group post-intervention. The parameters of sit-to-stand duration (1.04 s vs. 1.95 s; p = 0.03) and average acceleration (1.54 g vs. 1.06 g; p = 0.04) both exhibited substantial improvements in the spilanthol-plus-BAL group compared to the BAL-alone group. Conclusions The findings of this investigation contribute empirical evidence supporting the proposition that spilanthol supplementation, when integrated with BAL training, can exert a more pronounced impact on select facets of neuromuscular function. Key messages • Spilanthol supplementation with balance training can exert a pronounced impact on neuromuscular function. • Spilanthol supplementation with balance training demonstrates potential in mitigating sarcopenia and other degenerative conditions.