Effect of Fermented Papaya Preparation Intake on Fatigue Recovery, Useful Field of View and Oxidative Stress: A Pilot Interventional Study in Professional Bus and Motor Racing Drivers.

OBJECTIVES

Fermented Papaya Preparation (FPP) is a supplement with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory effects. This study investigated the effects of one-month continuous FPP intake on health parameters related to driving performance, the useful field of view (UFOV) and post-work fatigue recovery in active bus drivers and the effect of FPP on elite performance motor racing drivers and elite motor racing drivers.

METHOD: This study examined the effects of one-month continuous intake of FPP on health outcomes, oxidative stress markers and useful field of view (UFOV) in active bus drivers and elite motor racing drivers.

RESULT: Significant reductions were observed in oxidative stress markers (urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG]) and reaction times within the UFOV. Subjective health measures related to driving performance-including concentration, vitality, fatigue, and sleep quality-also showed significant improvements. Participants with improved UFOV demonstrated concurrent reductions in urinary 8-OHdG. In the health-related quality of life assessment using the short form health survey SF-12®, significant improvements were detected in "general health perception" (p < 0.01), "vitality" (p < 0.05), and "mental health" (p < 0.01) after intervention. In the performance of elite drivers' assessment, the malondialdehyde (MDA) values in elite motor sport drivers were similar at the beginning of the race and at the 12 hr period, there were notable differences in the values at 24 hr following the endurance motor racing. The non-supplemented drivers had the highest level of MDA, and protein carbonyls with values of 1.26 µM and 0.411 µmoles/g protein respectively. The corresponding values for the FPP-supplemented drivers were 0.714 µM and 0.115 µmoles/g protein respectively.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that FPP can be safely consumed by professional drivers and may serve as a complementary self-care strategy targeting fatigue recovery, thereby mitigating risk factors associated with driving accidents such as age-related decline in driving useful field of view, sleep quality, cognitive function, and accumulation. FPP may be applied as a "Driver Support Tool" contributing to fatigue reduction, health maintenance, and accident risk reduction in both professional and elderly drivers. FPP may hold significance in improving recovery and cognition in elite motor sports drivers and general auto drivers.