Glucosamine Supplementation after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Athletes: A Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial

Abstract

Although glucosamine is commonly consumed by athletes, its effectiveness in sports injuries is still under debate. We aimed to investigate the effects of glucosamine to the rehabilitation outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructed athletes. Glucosamine-sulfate (1000 mg daily, for 8 weeks) was administered to half of the cohort of 30 male athletes, the other half used a placebo. Both groups received the same rehabilitation protocol. Knee pain and functions were evaluated by a visual analogue scale (VAS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores before and after oral administration. Additionally, an isokinetic test was performed after the administration period. The scores revealed significant improvements in both groups after 8 weeks, but no significant difference was detected between groups in any of the parameters. Glucosamine supplementation did not improve the rehabilitation outcomes of athletes after ACL reconstruction. This is the first study investigating this topic. Further studies will help to obtain clear evidence about glucosamine efficacy on ACL injured or ACL reconstructed athletes.

What drives athletes toward dietary supplement use: objective knowledge or self-perceived competence? Cross-sectional analysis of professional team-sport players from Southeastern Europe during the competitive season

“…Indeed, although proper knowledge on nutrition and DSU, including the information based on high-quality peer reviewed research, should be crucial for safe and effective DSU, this problem is evidently understudied in professional athletes. Specifically, it is generally accepted that athletes consume DSs to improve their recovery and performance and/or to overcome the lack of certain nutrients for specific reasons (i.e., vegetarianism, female athletes during their menstrual cycle) [21–24]. However, due to the competitive spirit of sports, athletes are particularly vulnerable to aggressive DS marketing.…”

An Assessment of Rehabilitation Protocols following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

“…The studies have shown that it may be viable to conclude that it is not necessary to include creatine or glucosamine supplementation in the rehabilitation regimen for patients recovering from ACLR surgery. 22,23 Cryotherapy. Unrelieved postoperative pain may impair rehabilitation, compromise functional outcomes, and lead to patient dissatisfaction.…”

Glucosamine-chondroitin sulphate accelerates tendon-to-bone healing in rabbits

“…[30] This drug is not only specific to cartilage cells, but also affects the cells such as the ones in the ligament and tenocytes. [20] Although it was shown that GlcN-CS did not have a positive effect on rehabilitation of the athletes with anterior cruciate ligament repair, Özer et al [30] and Eraslan and Ulkar [31] showed that GlcN-CS complex increased the synthesis of collagen and also that collagen type is more organized.…”