Abstract
A round of golf lasts approximately 4 h and during this time homeostasis could be challenged through either hypoglycaemia or hypohydration. This may result in impaired motor skill or cognitive performance. Given the high cognitive demand of putting, as well as the potential fatiguing effects from the prolonged walking during a round of golf, the combination of a carbohydrate and caffeine drink may be beneficial in offsetting hypoglycaemia and hypohydration. The recent development of a laboratory-based simulated golf round provides a novel approach to investigating the effects of nutritional interventions on golf performance. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of an isotonic carbohydrate and caffeine sports drink on performance during a round of golf. METHODS: Twenty male golfers (age 23 ± 4 yrs, mass 72.8 ±17.4 kg, Handicap 15 ± 4), completed two simulated rounds of golf in a double-blind counterbalance order during which either an isotonic sports drink containing caffeine (CHO-CAF) (6.4 g CHO/16 mg caffeine per 100 ml) or a no energy, flavour matched placebo drink was consumed at baseline (5 ml·kg·BM-1), and holes 6 and 12 (2.5 ml·kg·BM-1). Putting accuracy over 5 m and 2 m was assessed at each hole. A 5 min version of the rapid visual information processing task (RVIP) was completed at baseline and holes 6, 12 and 18. Self rated mood assessments were carried out every third hole. RESULTS: Putting performance over 5m and 2m and self rated scores for alertness improved in the CHO-CAF trial (P < 0.05). 2m putting performance, and self rated feeling for mental fatigue, tiredness, jittery and thirst all showed a main effect by time (P < 0.01). Sustained attention (assessed via the RVIP) was not different between trials. CONCLUSION: The consumption of an isotonic carbohydrate sports drink containing caffeine prior to and during a round of golf improved putting performance and attenuated a decline in perceived alertness during a round of golf.
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