Antifatigue effects of coenzyme Q10 during physical fatigue

Abstract 

Objective

This study examined the effects of coenzyme Q10 administration on physical fatigue.

Methods

In a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, three crossover design, 17 healthy volunteers were randomized to oral coenzyme Q10 (100 or 300 mg/d) or placebo administration for 8 d. As a fatigue-inducing physical task, subjects performed workload trials on a bicycle ergometer at fixed workloads twice for 2 h and then rested for 4 h. During the physical tasks, subjects performed non-workload trials with maximum velocity for 10 s at 30 min (30-min trial) after the start of physical tasks and 30 min before the end of the tasks (210-min trial).

Results

The change in maximum velocity from the 30- to the 210-min trial in the 300-mg coenzyme Q10–administered group was higher than that in the placebo group. In addition, subjective fatigue sensation measured on a visual analog scale in the 300-mg coenzyme Q10–administered group after the fatigue-inducing physical task and recovery period was alleviated when compared with that in the placebo group.

Conclusion

Oral administration of coenzyme Q10 improved subjective fatigue sensation and physical performance during fatigue-inducing workload trials and might prevent unfavorable conditions as a result of physical fatigue.

Keywords: Fatigue, Exercise, Coenzyme Q10, Antifatigue, Physical performance, Bicycle ergometer