Abstract des Autors

ATP is the source of energy necessary to sustain cardiac and skeletal muscular work. Biomolecular mitochondrial integrity is indispensable to support the physiological neuromuscular functions; a higher need for energy, as in the case of physical exercise, induces morphological changes in mitochondria. Coenzyme Q (CoQ10) or ubiquinone is an essential component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain; it works as an electrons transporting shuttle controlling oxidative phosphorylation efficiency. CoQ10 has also general and LDL-specific antioxidant properties; recently for this molecule a stabilizing membrane effect was demonstrated. The main aim of the present study was to assess the effects of exogenous CoQ10 supplementation on leg muscular potency, resistance and strength calculated with a computerized isokinetic test. First juvenile league championship soccer players were eligible to participate in the study. All the players gave their informed consent to be enrolled in the study. The study drug was administered for three months according to an open randomized experimental design. CoQ10 plasmatic levels and isokinetic tests were performed before and at the end of treatment. The results show statistically significant improvement of knee flexors probably due to the particular muscular engagement characterizing the athletic gesture of the discipline investigated. Further studies are however necessary to better define the mechanism of action of CoQ10 on muscular performance. Verf.-Referat