Cognitive function after endurance exercise: a comparison between Gatorade® and a placebo

Abstract

Since Gatorade® (G) is a glucose formulation that improves exogenous glucose availability; we propose ingestion prior to exercise will improve the expected impaired cognitive function commonly associated with prolonged exercise.12 highly trained cyclists (3 females, 9 males; 19–44 yrs; average VO2 peak 60.4L/kg*min) exercised at 65% VO2 peak for 2 hours on a cycle ergometer while heart rate, core body temperature, expired O2/CO2, RER, RPE, glucose and lactate were collected every 30 minutes beginning at 30 minutes prior to exercise when G or a placebo (P) was ingested (500 ml). An Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) computerized cognitive function test was given prior to and post exercise.Blood glucose averages were significantly different at the start of exercise for G and P (133.1 mg/dL ± 23.2 and 86.2 mg/dL ± 10.1; p=.0001) while after exercise there was no difference (95.3 mg/dL ±13.9 and 81.2 mg/dL ± 17.3) respectively. While both median (p=.002) and mean (p=.01) reaction time for spatial processing decreased after exercise for G, there was no difference when compared to P. No other improvements in cognitive ability were found compared to P, as well as core body temperature, heart rate, RPE, lactate, and RER were not different. Overall, there was no reduction in cognitive function after exercising at 65% VO2 peak for 2 hours.