Effects of XS® Energy Drink on aerobic exercise capacity

Abstract

This project examines effects of taking XS® Energy Drink for the purpose of enhancing aerobic exercise capacity and performance. XS® Energy Drink contains B vitamins, caffeine, taurine, and an adaptogen blend and is primarily designed and marketed to stimulate alertness; however, it is also marketed to athletes claiming to enhance performance. Our hypothesis is that consuming the XS® Energy Drink before exercise increases aerobic capacity and the time to muscle fatigue when compared with a placebo. We also hypothesize that consuming XS® Energy Drink before exercise decreases recovery time. Twelve physically fit 18–24 year olds performed two VO2 max tests according to a modified Ellestad Treadmill Protocol using a randomized double‐blind cross over method. We found no significant differences with XS® Energy Drink: VO2 max (p = 0.99), time until muscle fatigue (p = 0.48), maximum heart rate (p = 0.66), VE max (p = 0.10), time at which R > 1 (p = 0.50), or recovery time to 50% VO2 max (p = 0.67). We found the second trial to be significantly longer than the first (p = 0.01) likely due to desire to improve exercise time or familiarization with testing procedures. Our results show no physiological effects of XS® Energy Drink; however, we have not eliminated a possibility of psychological advantage. Supported by an undergraduate research fellowship and University Honors Program grant from Wright State University (KMS).