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. 2025 Jul;23(3):222-228.
doi: 10.1016/j.jesf.2025.04.004. Epub 2025 May 1.

The effects of L-citrulline supplementation on cerebrovascular function during sprint interval training in taekwondo athletes

Aiqin Li  1 , Haojie Li  2 , Jiangang Chen  3
Affiliations

The effects of L-citrulline supplementation on cerebrovascular function during sprint interval training in taekwondo athletes

Aiqin Li et al. J Exerc Sci Fit. 2025 Jul.

Abstract

Background: Sprint Interval Training (SIT), a high - intensity exercise commonly used to improve athletic performance in combat sports, can affect cerebral blood flow. As the maintenance of cerebrovascular health is crucial for athletic performance and recovery, this study aimed to examine the effects of L-citrulline supplementation on cerebrovascular function following SIT in Taekwondo athletes.

Methods: Twenty male Taekwondo athletes (ages 18-30) participated in a double-blind, randomized crossover design. Participants received either 8.8 g of L-citrulline or a placebo (maltodextrin) for 5 consecutive days. The protocol involved four 30-s maximal sprints. Cerebrovascular function was assessed using transcranial Doppler (TCD) to measure changes in the breath-holding index (ΔBHI) and Pulse Index (ΔPI) before and after exercise.

Results: No significant difference was found for average power between conditions (F = 1.27, P = 0.275, η2 p = 0.07). A significant improvement in cerebrovascular function was observed in the L-citrulline group, with a positive change in ΔBHI (F = 5.09, P = 0.037, η2 p = 0.22). No significant effect was found for ΔPI (F = 0.19, P = 0.669, η2 p = 0.01).

Conclusions: L-citrulline supplementation enhanced cerebrovascular function recovery after SIT, suggesting a protective effect for Taekwondo athletes engaged in high-intensity training by promoting cerebral vascular health without affecting performance or peripheral resistance.

Keywords: Cerebrovascular function; Exercise recovery; Hemodynamic indices; High intensity training; L-citrulline; Sprint interval training.

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Conflict of interest statement

All authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flowchart of the study design. Abbreviation: CIT, L-citrulline; SIT, sprint interval training; TCD, transcranial Doppler.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Cerebrovascular function tests with transcranial Doppler.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Comparison between indicators under different conditions. (A) Change (Δ) in average power output. (B) Pre-intervention BHI. (C) Post-intervention BHI. (D) Change in BHI. (E) Pre-intervention PI. (F) Post-intervention PI. (G) Change in PI. Abbreviation: CIT, L-citrulline; BHI, Breath-Holding Index; PI, Pulse Index. A three - factor linear mixed - effects model was used for statistical analysis. ∗ indicates P < 0.05.
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