Effects of Caffeine, Sodium Bicarbonate, and Their Combined Ingestion on High-Intensity Cycling Performance

2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew E. Kilding ◽  
Claire Overton ◽  
Jonathan Gleave

Purpose:To determine the effects of ingesting caffeine (CAFF) and sodium bicarbonate (SB), taken individually and simultaneously, on 3-km cycling time-trial (TT) performance.Method:Ten well-trained cyclists, age 24.2 ± 5.4 yr, participated in this acute-treatment, double-blind, crossover study that involved four 3-km cycling TTs performed on separate days. Before each TT, participants ingested either 3 mg/kg body mass (BM) of CAFF, 0.3 g · kg−1 · BM−1 of SB, a combination of the two (CAFF+SB), or a placebo (PLAC). They completed each 3-km TT on a laboratory-based cycle ergometer, during which physiological, perceptual, and performance measurements were determined. For statistical analysis, the minimal worthwhile difference was considered ~1% based on previous research.Results:Pretrial pH and HCO3 were higher in SB and CAFF+SB than in the CAFF and PLAC trials. Differences across treatments for perceived exertion and gastric discomfort were mostly unclear. Compared with PLAC, mean power output during the 3-km TT was higher in CAFF, SB, and CAFF+SB trials (2.4%, 2.6%, 2.7% respectively), resulting in faster performance times (–0.9, –1.2, –1.2% respectively). Effect sizes for all trials were small (0.21–0.24).Conclusions:When ingested individually, both CAFF and SB enhance high-intensity cycling TT performance in trained cyclists. However, the ergogenic effect of these 2 popular supplements was not additive, bringing into question the efficacy of coingesting the 2 supplements before short-duration high-intensity exercise. In this study there were no negative effects of combining CAFF and SB, 2 relatively inexpensive and safe supplements.

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 471-481
Author(s):  
Gabriel Barreto ◽  
Rafael Pires da Silva ◽  
Guilherme Yamaguchi ◽  
Luana Farias de Oliveira ◽  
Vitor de Salles Painelli ◽  
...  

Caffeine has been shown to increase anaerobic energy contribution during short-duration cycling time-trials (TT) though no information exists on whether caffeine alters energy contribution during more prolonged, aerobic type TTs. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of caffeine supplementation on longer and predominantly aerobic exercise. Fifteen recreationally-trained male cyclists (age 38±8 y, height 1.76±0.07 m, body mass 72.9±7.7 kg) performed a ~30 min cycling TT following either 6 mg·kg-1BM caffeine (CAF) or placebo (PLA) supplementation, and one control (CON) session without supplementation, in a double- -blind, randomised, counterbalance and cross-over design. Mean power output (MPO) was recorded as the outcome measure. Respiratory values were measured throughout exercise for the determination of energy system contribution. Data were analysed using mixed-models. CAF improved mean MPO compared to CON (P=0.01), and a trend towards an improvement compared to PLA (P=0.07); there was no difference in MPO at any timepoint throughout the exercise between conditions. There was a main effect of Condition (P=0.04) and Time (P<0.0001) on blood lactate concentration, which tended to be higher in CAF vs. both PLA and CON (Condition effect, both P=0.07). Ratings of perceived exertion increased over time (P<0.0001), with no effect of Condition or interaction (both P>0.05). Glycolytic energy contribution was increased in CAF compared to CON and PLA (both P<0.05), but not aerobic or ATP-CP (both P>0.05). CAF improved aerobic TT performance compared to CON, which could be explained by increased glycolytic energy contribution.


Author(s):  
Lukas Beis ◽  
Yaser Mohammad ◽  
Chris Easton ◽  
Yannis P. Pitsiladis

Oral supplementation with glycine-arginine-α-ketoisocaproic acid (GAKIC) has previously been shown to improve exhaustive high-intensity exercise performance. There are no controlled studies involving GAKIC supplementation in well-trained subjects. The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of GAKIC supplementation on fatigue during high-intensity, repeated cycle sprints in trained cyclists. After at least 2 familiarization trials, 10 well-trained male cyclists completed 2 supramaximal sprint tests each involving 10 sprints of 10 s separated by 50-s rest intervals on an electrically braked cycle ergometer. Subjects ingested 11.2 g of GAKIC or placebo (Pl) during a period of 45 min before the 2 experimental trials, administered in a randomized and double-blind fashion. Peak power declined from the 1st sprint (M ± SD; Pl 1,332 ± 307 W, GAKIC 1,367 ± 342 W) to the 10th sprint (Pl 1,091 ± 229 W, GAKIC 1,061 ± 272 W) and did not differ between conditions (p = .88). Mean power declined from the 1st sprint (Pl 892 ± 151 W, GAKIC 892 ± 153 W) to the 10th sprint (Pl 766 ± 120 W, GAKIC 752 ± 138 W) and did not differ between conditions (p = .96). The fatigue index remained at ~38% throughout the series of sprints and did not differ between conditions (p = .99). Heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion increased from the 1st sprint to the 10th sprint and did not differ between conditions (p = .11 and p = .83, respectively). In contrast to previous studies in untrained individuals, these results suggest that GAKIC has no ergogenic effect on repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise in trained individuals.


Author(s):  
Marcus J. Callahan ◽  
Evelyn B. Parr ◽  
John A. Hawley ◽  
Louise M. Burke

When ingested alone, beetroot juice and sodium bicarbonate are ergogenic for high-intensity exercise performance. This study sought to determine the independent and combined effects of these supplements. Eight endurance trained (VO2max 65 mL·kg·min-1) male cyclists completed four × 4-km time trials (TT) in a doubleblind Latin square design supplementing with beetroot crystals (BC) for 3 days (15 g·day-1 + 15 g 1 h before TT, containing 300 mg nitrate per 15 g), bicarbonate (Bi 0.3 g·kg-1 body mass [BM] in 5 doses every 15 min from 2.5 h before TT); BC+Bi or placebo (PLA). Subjects completed TTs on a Velotron cycle ergometer under standardized laboratory conditions. Plasma nitrite concentrations were significantly elevated only in the BC+Bi trial before the TT (1520 ± 786 nmol·L-1) compared with baseline (665 ± 535 nmol·L-1, p = .02) and the Bi and PLA conditions (Bi: 593 ± 203 nmol·L-1, p < .01; PLA: 543 ± 369 nmol·L-1, p < .01). Plasma nitrite concentrations were not elevated in the BC trial before the TT (1102 ± 218 nmol·L-1) compared with baseline (975 ± 607 nmol·L-1, p > .05). Blood bicarbonate concentrations were increased in the BC+Bi and Bi trials before the TT (BC+Bi: 30.9 ± 2.8 mmol·L-1; Bi: 31.7 ± 1.1 mmol·L-1). There were no differences in mean power output (386–394 W) or the time taken to complete the TT (335.8–338.1 s) between any conditions. Under the conditions of this study, supplementation was not ergogenic for 4-km TT performance.


2014 ◽  
Vol 39 (9) ◽  
pp. 1050-1057 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen C. Lane ◽  
John A. Hawley ◽  
Ben Desbrow ◽  
Andrew M. Jones ◽  
James R. Blackwell ◽  
...  

Both caffeine and beetroot juice have ergogenic effects on endurance cycling performance. We investigated whether there is an additive effect of these supplements on the performance of a cycling time trial (TT) simulating the 2012 London Olympic Games course. Twelve male and 12 female competitive cyclists each completed 4 experimental trials in a double-blind Latin square design. Trials were undertaken with a caffeinated gum (CAFF) (3 mg·kg−1 body mass (BM), 40 min prior to the TT), concentrated beetroot juice supplementation (BJ) (8.4 mmol of nitrate (NO3–), 2 h prior to the TT), caffeine plus beetroot juice (CAFF+BJ), or a control (CONT). Subjects completed the TT (females: 29.35 km; males: 43.83 km) on a laboratory cycle ergometer under conditions of best practice nutrition: following a carbohydrate-rich pre-event meal, with the ingestion of a carbohydrate–electrolyte drink and regular oral carbohydrate contact during the TT. Compared with CONT, power output was significantly enhanced after CAFF+BJ and CAFF (3.0% and 3.9%, respectively, p < 0.01). There was no effect of BJ supplementation when used alone (–0.4%, p = 0.6 compared with CONT) or when combined with caffeine (–0.9%, p = 0.4 compared with CAFF). We conclude that caffeine (3 mg·kg−1 BM) administered in the form of a caffeinated gum increased cycling TT performance lasting ∼50–60 min by ∼3%–4% in both males and females. Beetroot juice supplementation was not ergogenic under the conditions of this study.


2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 471-481
Author(s):  
Gabriel Barreto ◽  
Rafael Pires da Silva ◽  
Guilherme Yamaguchi ◽  
Luana Farias de Oliveira ◽  
Vitor de Salles Painelli ◽  
...  

Caffeine has been shown to increase anaerobic energy contribution during short-duration cycling time-trials (TT) though no information exists on whether caffeine alters energy contribution during more prolonged, aerobic type TTs. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of caffeine supplementation on longer and predominantly aerobic exercise. Fifteen recreationally-trained male cyclists (age 38±8 y, height 1.76±0.07 m, body mass 72.9±7.7 kg) performed a ~30 min cycling TT following either 6 mg·kg-1BM caffeine (CAF) or placebo (PLA) supplementation, and one control (CON) session without supplementation, in a double- -blind, randomised, counterbalance and cross-over design. Mean power output (MPO) was recorded as the outcome measure. Respiratory values were measured throughout exercise for the determination of energy system contribution. Data were analysed using mixed-models. CAF improved mean MPO compared to CON (P=0.01), and a trend towards an improvement compared to PLA (P=0.07); there was no difference in MPO at any timepoint throughout the exercise between conditions. There was a main effect of Condition (P=0.04) and Time (P<0.0001) on blood lactate concentration, which tended to be higher in CAF vs. both PLA and CON (Condition effect, both P=0.07). Ratings of perceived exertion increased over time (P<0.0001), with no effect of Condition or interaction (both P>0.05). Glycolytic energy contribution was increased in CAF compared to CON and PLA (both P<0.05), but not aerobic or ATP-CP (both P>0.05). CAF improved aerobic TT performance compared to CON, which could be explained by increased glycolytic energy contribution.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 741-747 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna E. Voskamp ◽  
Senna van den Bos ◽  
Carl Foster ◽  
Jos J. de Koning ◽  
Dionne A. Noordhof

Background: Gross efficiency (GE) declines during high-intensity exercise. Increasing extracellular buffer capacity might diminish the decline in GE and thereby improve performance. Purpose: To examine if sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) supplementation diminishes the decline in GE during a 2000-m cycling time trial. Methods: Sixteen male cyclists and 16 female cyclists completed 4 testing sessions including a maximal incremental test, a familiarization trial, and two 2000-m GE tests. The 2000-m GE tests were performed after ingestion of either NaHCO3 supplements (0.3 g/kg body mass) or placebo supplements (amylum solani, magnesium stearate, and sunflower oil capsules). The GE tests were conducted using a double-blind, randomized, crossover design. Power output, gas exchange, and time to complete the 2000-m time trials were recorded. Capillary blood samples were analyzed for blood bicarbonate, pH, and lactate concentration. Data were analyzed using magnitude-based inference. Results: The decrement in GE found after the 2000-m time trial was possibly smaller in the male and female groups after NaHCO3 than with placebo ingestion, with the effect in both groups combined being unclear. The effect on performance was likely trivial for males (placebo 164.2 [5.0] s, NaHCO3 164.3 [5.0] s; Δ0.1; ±0.6%), unclear for females (placebo 178.6 [4.8] s, NaHCO3 178.0 [4.3] s; Δ−0.3; ±0.5%), and very likely trivial when effects were combined. Blood bicarbonate, pH, and lactate concentration were substantially elevated from rest to pretest after NaHCO3 ingestion. Conclusions: NaHCO3 supplementation results in an unclear effect on the decrease in GE during high-intensity exercise and in a very likely trivial effect on performance.


Author(s):  
Rebecca J. Toone ◽  
James A. Betts

This study was designed to compare the effects of energy-matched carbohydrate (CHO) and carbohydrate-protein (CHO-PRO) supplements on cycling time-trial performance. Twelve competitive male cyclists and triathletes each completed 2 trials in a randomized and counterbalanced order that were separated by 5–10 d and applied in a double-blind manner. Participants performed a 45-min variable-intensity exercise protocol on a cycle ergometer while ingesting either a 9% CHO solution or a mixture of 6.8% CHO plus 2.2% protein in volumes providing 22 kJ/kg body mass. Participants were then asked to cycle 6 km in the shortest time possible. Blood glucose and lactate concentrations were measured every 15 min during exercise, along with measures of substrate oxidation via indirect calorimetry, heart rate, and ratings of perceived exertion. Mean time to complete the 6-km time trial was 433 ± 21 s in CHO trials and 438 ± 22 s in CHO-PRO trials, which represents a 0.94% (CI: 0.01, 1.86) decrement in performance with the inclusion of protein (p = .048). However, no other variable measured in this study was significantly different between trials. Reducing the quantity of CHO included in a supplement and replacing it with protein may not represent an effective nutritional strategy when the supplement is ingested during exercise. This may reflect the central ergogenic influence of exogenous CHO during such activity.


2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 140-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Ihsan ◽  
Grant Landers ◽  
Matthew Brearley ◽  
Peter Peeling

Purpose:The effect of crushed ice ingestion as a precooling method on 40-km cycling time trial (CTT) performance was investigated.Methods:Seven trained male subjects underwent a familiarization trial and two experimental CTT which were preceded by 30 min of either crushed ice ingestion (ICE) or tap water (CON) consumption amounting to 6.8 g⋅kg-1 body mass. The CTT required athletes to complete 1200 kJ of work on a wind-braked cycle ergometer. During the CTT, gastrointestinal (Tgi) and skin (Tsk) temperatures, cycling time, power output, heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BLa), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and thermal sensation (RPTS) were measured at set intervals of work.Results:Precooling lowered the Tgi after ICE significantly more than CON (36.74 ± 0.67°C vs 37.27 ± 0.24°C, P < .05). This difference remained evident until 200 kJ of work was completed on the bike (37.43 ± 0.42°C vs 37.64 ± 0.21°C). No significant differences existed between conditions at any time point for Tsk, RPE or HR (P > .05). The CTT completion time was 6.5% faster in ICE when compared with CON (ICE: 5011 ± 810 s, CON: 5359 ± 820 s, P < .05).Conclusions:Crushed ice ingestion was effective in lowering Tgi and improving subsequent 40-km cycling time trial performance. The mechanisms for this enhanced exercise performance remain to be clarified.


2006 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 405-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holden S-H. MacRae ◽  
Kari M. Mefferd

We investigated whether 6 wk of antioxidant supplementation (AS) would enhance 30 km time trial (TT) cycling performance. Eleven elite male cyclists completed a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study to test the effects of twice daily AS containing essential vitamins plus quercetin (FRS), and AS minus quercetin (FRS-Q) versus a baseline TT (B). MANOVA analysis showed that time to complete the 30 km TT was improved by 3.1% on FRS compared to B (P ≤ 0.01), and by 2% over the last 5 km (P ≤ 0.05). Absolute and relative (%HRmax) heart rates and percent VO2max were not different between trials, but average and relative power (% peak power) was higher on FRS (P ≤ 0.01). Rates of carbohydrate and fat oxidation were not different between trials. Thus, FRS supplementation significantly improved high-intensity cycling TT performance through enhancement of power output. Further study is needed to determine the potential mechanism(s) of the antioxidant efficacy.


2013 ◽  
Vol 38 (12) ◽  
pp. 1217-1227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam J. Trewin ◽  
Aaron C. Petersen ◽  
Francois Billaut ◽  
Leon R. McQuade ◽  
Bernie V. McInerney ◽  
...  

We investigated the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on metabolism during fixed work rate high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and self-paced 10-min time-trial (TT10) performance. Nine well-trained male cyclists (V̇O2peak, 69.4 ± 5.8 mL·kg−1·min−1; peak power output (PPO), 385 ± 43 W; mean ± SD) participated in a double-blind, repeated-measures, randomised crossover trial. Two trials (NAC supplementation and placebo) were performed 7 days apart consisting of 6 × 5 min HIIE bouts at 82% PPO (316 ± 40 W) separated by 1 min at 100 W, and then after 2 min of recovery at 100 W, TT10 was performed. Expired gases, venous blood, and electromyographic (EMG) data were collected. NAC did not influence blood glutathione but decreased lipid peroxidation compared with the placebo (P < 0.05). Fat oxidation was elevated with NAC compared with the placebo during HIIE bouts 5 and 6 (9.9 ± 8.9 vs. 3.9 ± 4.8 μmol·kg−1·min−1; P < 0.05), as was blood glucose throughout HIIE (4.3 ± 0.6 vs. 3.8 ± 0.6 mmol·L−1; P < 0.05). Blood lactate was lower with NAC after TT10 (3.3 ± 1.3 vs. 4.2 ± 1.3 mmol·L−1; P < 0.05). Median EMG frequency of the vastus lateralis was lower with NAC during HIIE (79 ± 10 vs. 85 ± 10 Hz; P < 0.05), but not TT10 (82 ± 11 Hz). Finally, NAC decreased mean power output 4.9% ± 6.6% (effect size = –0.3 ± 0.4, mean ± 90% CI) during TT10 (305 ± 57 W vs. 319 ± 45 W). These data suggest that NAC alters substrate metabolism and muscle fibre type recruitment during HIIE, which is detrimental to time-trial performance.


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