The effects of phosphatidylserine supplementation on cognitive functioning prior and following an acute bout of resistance training in young males

Background

Making quick decisions and reducing the amount of errors at the beginning of a competition are crucial to the success in team sports and individual events. Phosphatidylserine (PS) has been shown to reduce stress and increase performance in runners, cyclists and golfers. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study was performed to evaluate the effect of PS supplementation on cognitive function prior to and following an acute bout of resistance training in 18 males aged 18-30.

Methods

During the first testing session, subjects were familiarized with the serial subtraction test (SST) and performed 1 repetition maximum (1RM) lifts in the smith machine squat (SQ), leg press (LP), and leg extension (LE). Subjects consumed PS (400 mg/day, SerinAid, Chemi Nutra) or placebo in a random, cross-over design for 14 days, with no washout period between supplementation. Following supplementation, subjects performed 5 sets of 10 repetitions at 70% of their 1RM on SQ, LP, and LE. SST was measured prior to exercise (PRE) and 5 (5POST) and 60 (60POST) minutes after exercise.

Results

PS supplementation significantly reduced the time needed for a correct calculation by 19.8% (1.27 s per calculation; Placebo: 6.4 s, PS 5.13 s; p = 0.001), and reduced the total amount of errors by 33% (PRE: Placebo: 27, PS: 18, p = 0.18) at PRE compared to placebo. Exercise significantly improved SST time (p = 0.03). PS did not improve SST compared to placebo post exercise.

Conclusion

PS supplementation significantly increased cognitive function prior to exercise. Improved cognitive function could benefit athletes and non-athletes alike. Further research is warranted to determine the effects of varying dosages and duration of PS supplementation on cognitive function during exercise.