Journal of research in sport medicine and technology

The Effect Of Acute Consumption Of Citrulline Malate Supplement On Specific Physical Performance Of Professional Soccer Players

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Shima Mojtahedi 1
Ramin Rafiei Parchami 2

1 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 PhD Candidate in Exercise Physiology, Aras international campus of University of Tehran University of Tehran, Iran.

10.22034/jsmt.2026.7726
Abstract
Background and Aims: Citrulline malate has recently emerged as a potential energizing supplement for high-intensity exercise performance and muscle function recovery. This study was designed to thoroughly investigate the effect of acute consumption of citrulline malate supplement on the physical performance of professional soccer players.
Materials and Methods: The research, a developmental type, was conducted using a semi-experimental, random cross-over, and double-blind method. Twenty professional soccer players, with an average age and weight of 22.5 ± 2.6 years, 68.4 ± 4.3 kg, were divided into two groups: citrulline malate (10 grams) or placebo. The players consumed their assigned supplement 60 minutes before the UVI level one intermittent running test. Muscle power was measured using the maximum height jump test and maximum speed using the 30-meter speed test.
Results: The independent t-test showed that the acute consumption of citrulline malate had no significant difference in the average distance traveled in the yo-yo test and the results of other tests compared with the placebo (p>0.05). The only significant difference was the lower average heart rate of the supplement group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.02).
Conclusion: It is likely that the lack of significant changes in the physical performance of the subjects is due to the high level of physical fitness of the players in the present study. Also, changing the dosage may show different results.

Keywords

Soccer
Physical Performance
Citrulline Malate
Subjects
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Journal of research in sport medicine and technology
Volume 24, Issue 31 - Serial Number 47
October 2026
Pages 177-195

  • Receive Date 22 February 2026
  • Revise Date 20 May 2026
  • Accept Date 25 May 2026
  • First Publish Date 08 June 2026
  • Publish Date 01 July 2026