Prophylactic administration of Wobenzym to reduce consequences of sports injuries in karate fighters

Randomized double-blind placebo controlled study

Zuschlag J.-M.

Evaluation by: MUCOS Pharma GmbH & Co, Dept. Clinical Research, Geretsried, Germany

Czech and German abstract

In a double blind, placebo controlled, randomised clinical trial the efficacy and tolerance of WOBENZYM^® adminstration was proved to reduce the consequences of sports injuries in top sportsmen.

20 karate fighters, aged between 13 and 21 years, who underwent a regular training, were included into the trial. 10 volunteers received in the Phase I Wobenzym tablets and in the Phase II placebo, whereas other 10 sportsmen received in the Phase I placebo and in the Phase II Wobenzym.

Main evaluation criteria were training absence and absence at work or at school. Other criteria were duration of hematomas, edema, rest pain, pain on movement, pain on pressure, restricted motility and general inflammatory reactions. Frequency as well as severity of symptoms were comparable in both groups. However, their duration was statistically significantly shorter under Wobenzym treatment. Evaluation of main criteria was statistically significantly better in the enzyme group (training absence 2.2 days compared to 9.5 days in the placebo group, p = 2.87 x 10^-6; absence at work or at school 0.2 days compared to 1.8 days, p = 0.024). Evaluation of all other criteria showed statistically significantly better result in the enzyme group as compared to the placebo group (p < 0.001).

One case of adverse events was reported in the enzyme group: a slight diarrhea which lasted for five days and did not require any changes of the therapy. There was a possible association with Wobenzym treatment.

In the study it has been proven that prophylactic administration of Wobenzym (3x5 tablets daily) in top sportsmen showing a higher risk of injury significantly reduces duration of injury symptoms and training and work absence as a consequence of such injuries.