The effects of cannabidiol on measures of performance following eccentric exercise

Following intense exercise, there is a period of time when performance is decreased. Cannabidiol (CBD) is advertised as an anti-inflammatory supplement that can expedite recovery when consumed after exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine if CBD supplementation reduces fatigue and inflammation, and enhances performance, following eccentric exercise. A double-blind, placebo controlled, repeated measures crossover design was used. Twenty-four well-trained female participants (age = 21.2 ± 1.8 yrs., height = 166.4 ± 8 cm, weight = 64.9 ± 9.1 kg) were randomized to receive 5 mg/kg of CBD in pill form or a placebo 2 hrs prior to, immediately following, and 10 hrs following muscle damage. For each treatment, 100 repetitions of unilateral eccentric leg extension were completed to induce muscle damage. Blood was collected, and performance and fatigue were measured prior to, and 4 hrs, 24 hrs, and 48 hrs following the muscle damage. Blood samples were analyzed for concentrations of myoglobin (Mb) and inflammatory markers (IL-10, IL-1β, and IL-6). Fatigue was measured utilizing a visual analogue fatigue scale. Performance was measured across 5 variables: vertical jump (cm), peak dynamic knee extensor torque at 60, 180, and 300°/sec (N· m), and peak isometric knee extensor torque (N· m). Approximately 28 days separated treatment administration to control for the menstrual cycle. No significant differences (p = 0.573) were observed between the treatments for any inflammatory marker. Peak torque at 60°/sec (p = 0.001) and peak isometric torque (p = 0.02) were significantly lower 24 hrs following muscle damage, but none of the 5 measured performance variables were significantly different (p > 0.05 for all) between treatments at any time point. A significant increase (p = 0.002) in Mb concentrations was observed across treatments 4 hrs following muscle damage, but no significant differences (p = 0.12) were observed between treatments at any timepoint. Subjective fatigue was not significantly different (p = 0.13) between the treatments at any timepoint. Cannabidiol supplementation was unable to reduce fatigue, limit inflammation, or restore performance in well-trained female athletes.