Effects Of Cannabidiol On Performance And Recovery After Strength Training Vary According To Performance Level

Abstract

The consumption of cannabidiol (CBD) to support recovery has become popular among athletes. Potential anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties of CBD are supposed to result in pro-regenerative effects after strength training. Therefore three studies were conducted to investigate the effects of CBD treatment on performance and muscle recovery after resistance training. METHODS: Three independent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were conducted in cross-over designs. The effect of a single CBD (60mg) application was investigated in 1. advanced (n=16) and 2. highly advanced resistance-trained athletes (n=8) after intensive strength training on back squat (BS) and muscle damage proxies (MDP). Furthermore, 3. a repeated application (60mg each day for one week) during an intensive training week was examined in advanced (n=10) and highly advanced (n=8) resistance-trained athletes. In addition to BS and MDP, bench press performance, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative effects were investigated. RESULTS: In highly advanced athletes a single CBD application reduced creatine kinase concentrations (CK) 24h after the training bout (CBD: +87.9 ± 100.9 U/L; PL: +290.0 ± 309.4U/L). This was not confirmed for less advanced athletes. A small but significant effect of CBD was observed on CK (p<0.05; ES= 0.24) and myoglobin (MYO)(p<0.05; ES=0.