The effectiveness of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on endurance capacity, performance, and neuromuscular fatigue in cyclists.

Healy, Abbie

Abstract

Cycling performance requires the optimisation of physiological, psychological, biomechanical and aerodynamic factors. Research pertaining to success in road cycling indicates that physiological variables such as maximal oxygen uptake and lactate threshold are key performance indicators. Additionally, sustaining high power output over prolonged periods can lead to exercise-induced fatigue and muscle damage. To mitigate these effects, omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, have been proposed as a potential ergogenic aid, with some evidence suggesting it may reduce muscle damage and perceived muscle soreness in athletes. The aim of this thesis was to quantify the effectiveness of omega-3 supplementation on endurance performance, recovery and neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) in cyclists. Initially a systematic review was conducted (n = 11), which identified that ~1.05 g.day-1 was the lowest dose to begin demonstrating positive results within endurance performances and during the recovery post performances. However, due to the limited number of studies that utilised NMF tests or endurance protocols, no definitive conclusions can be made regarding the effectiveness of omega-3.
From these findings, we sought to investigate whether a high dosage (1600 mg) of omega-3 ingested daily for 8-weeks within a commercially available beverage, could enhance endurance performance and reduce NMF in well-trained cyclists. Six non-professional road cyclists and triathletes (age 45.7 [34.8] years; height 182.5 [176.7] cm; body mass 80.0 [4.5] kg) participated in the study, attending the laboratory on four separate occasions over a 10-week period. The first two visits included: (1) an 8-site skinfold assessment and a maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) test on a cycle ergometer (week 1 [visit 1]), and (2) a 75-minute steady-state cycle (SSC) proceeded by a 16.1 km time-trial (TT) in week 2 (visit 2). During visit 2, NMF was assessed using a countermovement jump (CMJ) protocol at baseline (after SSC warm-up), post-SSC, and post-TT. Following visit 2, participants consumed the commercially available omega-3 beverage, daily for 8-weeks. Visit 3 was a repeat of visit 2 at week 9, followed by visit 4 which was a repeat of visit 1 in week 10. Throughout the supplementation period, a food diary, training log, and athlete well-being questionnaire were completed.
No significant differences were found from pre- to post- omega-3 supplementation in VO2max measures, mean sum of 8 skinfolds, SSC performances, TT performances, or CMJ (p > 0.05). Dietary analysis identified that participants failed to consume enough carbohydrate and fat intakes to meet their performance demands, based on widely accepted sport nutrition guidelines. However, omega-3 supplementation significant reduced perceived fatigue (p < 0.001), stress levels (p =0.05), and mood (p = 0.04). These findings suggest that omega-3 supplementation has no significant effect on endurance capacity, performance, or NMF in well-trained athletes. However, given the limited sample size in this study coupled with the available literature on omega-3 supplementation in endurance sports, further research, with a larger sample size (n = 44, based on Post hoc Power calculation) is required for more direct comparisons.

Citation

Healy, A. (2025). The effectiveness of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on endurance capacity, performance, and neuromuscular fatigue in cyclists. (Thesis). The University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/5179451

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: May 20, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 24, 2025
• Keywords: Sports science
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/5179451
• Additional Information: School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences; Faculty of Health Sciences; University of Hull
• Award Date: Apr 10, 2025