Effects of carbohydrates-BCAAs-caffeine ingestion on performance and neuromuscular function during a 2-h treadmill run: a randomized, double-blind, cross-over placebo-controlled study

• Main Authors: Peltier Sébastien L (Author), Vincent Lucile (Author), Millet Guillaume Y (Author), Sirvent Pascal (Author), Morin Jean-Benoît (Author), Guerraz Michel (Author), Geyssant André (Author), Lescuyer Jean-François (Author), Feasson Léonard (Author), Messonnier Laurent (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group, 2011-12-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.1186/1550-2783-8-22; 1550-2783
• Keywords: Nutrition. Foods and food supply; TX341-641; Sports medicine; RC1200-1245
• Source: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, Vol 8, Iss 1, p 22 (2011)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Carbohydrates (CHOs), branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and caffeine are known to improve running performance. However, no information is available on the effects of a combination of these ingredients on performance and neuromuscular function during running.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The present study was designed as a randomized double-blind cross-over placebo-controlled trial. Thirteen trained adult males completed two protocols, each including two conditions: placebo (PLA) and Sports Drink (SPD: CHOs 68.6 g.L^-1, BCAAs 4 g.L^-1, caffeine 75 mg.L^-1). Protocol 1 consisted of an all-out 2 h treadmill run. Total distance run and glycemia were measured. In protocol 2, subjects exercised for 2 h at 95% of their lowest average speeds recorded during protocol 1 (whatever the condition). Glycemia, blood lactate concentration and neuromuscular function were determined immediately before and after exercise. Oxygen consumption (<inline-formula><m:math xmlns:m="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" name="1550-2783-8-22-i1"><m:mover accent="true"><m:mrow><m:mstyle class="text"><m:mtext class="textsf" mathvariant="sans-serif">V</m:mtext></m:mstyle></m:mrow><m:mo class="MathClass-op">˙</m:mo></m:mover><m:msub><m:mrow><m:mstyle class="text"><m:mtext class="textsf" mathvariant="sans-serif">O</m:mtext></m:mstyle></m:mrow><m:mrow><m:mn>2</m:mn></m:mrow></m:msub></m:math></inline-formula>), heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded during the exercise. Total fluids ingested were 2 L whatever the protocols and conditions.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Compared to PLA, ingestion of SPD increased running performance (p = 0.01), maintained glycemia and attenuated central fatigue (p = 0.04), an index of peripheral fatigue (p = 0.04) and RPE (p = 0.006). Maximal voluntary contraction, <inline-formula><m:math xmlns:m="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" name="1550-2783-8-22-i1"><m:mover accent="true"><m:mrow><m:mstyle class="text"><m:mtext class="textsf" mathvariant="sans-serif">V</m:mtext></m:mstyle></m:mrow><m:mo class="MathClass-op">˙</m:mo></m:mover><m:msub><m:mrow><m:mstyle class="text"><m:mtext class="textsf" mathvariant="sans-serif">O</m:mtext></m:mstyle></m:mrow><m:mrow><m:mn>2</m:mn></m:mrow></m:msub></m:math></inline-formula>, and HR did not differ between the two conditions.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study showed that ingestion of a combination of CHOs, BCAAs and caffeine increased performance by about 2% during a 2-h treadmill run. The results of neuromuscular function were contrasted: no clear cut effects of SPD were observed.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov, <url>http://www.clinicaltrials.gov</url>, <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00799630">NCT00799630</a></p>