The Effect of L-Tryptophan Intake on Dynamic Strength in Paralympic Powerlifting

Introduction: L-tryptophan supplementation has been studied in endurance sports with controversial results, and its influence on maximal strength sports remains largely unexplored. This study investigated whether L-tryptophan supplementation improves dynamic strength indicators in Paralympic powerlifting athletes. Methodology: A randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial was conducted with 13 paralympic powerlifting athletes. The athletes were supplemented with L-tryptophan or placebo for 72 hours before training. Strength was assessed using an encoder, measuring mean propulsive velocity (MPV), maximal velocity ( V max ), and power (PO) at different time points (pre, post, 24, and 48 hours) and loads (45% and 80% of 1 RM). Results: L-tryptophan supplementation resulted in higher MPV, V max , and PO values at the pre-exercise time point compared to placebo. However, after exercise, this difference diminished, and the benefits of supplementation were not sustained after 48 hours. Conclusion: L-tryptophan supplementation appears to temporarily improve pre-exercise strength performance in Paralympic powerlifting athletes, possibly by influencing neuromuscular relaxation.