Does a broad-spectrum cannabidiol supplement improve performance in a 10-min cycle ergometer performance-test?

Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid which has been proposed to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Given the potential for perceptions of pain to limit exercise performance, the aim of the present study was to investigate if 3weeks of daily CBD supplementation (150mgday-1) improved performance in a 10-min performance-trial on a cycle ergometer. In a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study, 22 healthy participants (n=11 male and n=11 female) completed two 10-min performance trials on a WattBike cycle ergometer interspersed with a 3-week supplementation period. Supplementation involved either 150mgday-1 oral CBD or 150mgday-1 of a visually identical placebo (PLA). During trials, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE [6-20]), heart rate (HR) and blood lactate (BLa) were collected every 2min. Mean power (W) was also taken throughout the exercise at each time point. All data were analyzed using two-way ANOVAs. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) between CBD or PLA groups for mean power (W) during the 10-min performance trial. There were also no significant differences (P>0.05) in any of the physiological or perceptual parameters (HR, BLa and RPE) between conditions. Three weeks supplementation of a broad-spectrum CBD supplement did not improve performance via any change in RPE during a 10-min time trial on a cycle ergometer, and as such, this evidence does not support the claim that broad-spectrum CBD supplements could be performance-enhancing in this exercise modality.