Resumen

RONCEROS, Gerardo, RAMOS, Willy, GARMENDIA, Fausto et al. Eficacia de la maca fresca (Lepidium meyenii walp) en el incremento del rendimiento físico de deportistas en altura. An. Fac. med., dic. 2005, vol.66, no.4, p.269-273. ISSN 1025-5583.

Objective: To establish the effect of fresh maca (Lepidum meyenil walp) on the sportsmen physical performance at high altitude. Design: Comparative, prospective, and experimental study. Materials and Methods: Ten high altitude sportsmen constituted the sample. We first measured the maximum oxygen consumption under physical activity. Then they received 1500 mg of fresh maca daily during 60 days and a second evaluation was performed under similar conditions. The maximum oxygen intake and performance were determined and subjects were monitored for a 30 days period. Dosage of transaminases ALAT, ASAT, and serum creatinine were done during each evaluation. Results: In basal conditions the velocity average in the treadmill was 15,46 km/h and the maximum oxygen intake average was 52,32 mL/kg/min. In the second evaluation following the fresh maca consume the average of the maximum velocity raised to 16,89 km/h and the maximum oxygen intake was 57,75 mL/kg/min, which means a 10,3% increase in physical performance. In all cases, the ALAT, ASAT, and serum creatinine values were normal. Conclusions: Fresh maca revealed energizing properties that increase the sportsmen physical performance at high altitude.

Palabras llave: Lepidium meyenil walp; exertion; sports; altitude; oxygen consumption.