Abstract
Triathlons are endurance events that include swimming, running, and cycling. Triathletes need to eat optimally during training and competitions to maximize their potential for success. The presence of carbohydrates in the mouth could activate regions in the brain to enhance athletic performance in exercise. Methods: This study examined the effects of glucose and mouthwash in ten male triathletes (age: 26.0 ± 8.7 years, height: 173.6 ± 10.4 cm, BMI 22.0 ± 1.7 kg/m2). The four oral test solutions included (A) Rinse with placebo, (B) Water + gel with placebo, (C) Rinse with 15% CH concentration, and (D) Water + gel with 15% CH concentration (25 g gel in 165 mL water). The Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE), Sensation Scale (FS), Felt Arousal Scale (FAS), Profile of Mood States (POMS), blood glucose, sprints, and dietary habits were assessed in each subject. All preceded ingestion of the oral-based test solution during workouts. Results: RPE showed no significant differences for subjective perceptions. The same was observed for FS and sprints. FAS scores increased over time (p = 0.039) in all groups. POMS score increased significantly in group D (p = 0.041). There was no effect of time on plasma glucose levels (p = 0.737). As for correlations, positive correlations were observed between sprint and FAS variables (p = 0.011). Conclusions: It appears that CH intake correlates positively with mood, but in all other variables, there are no differences depending on the product.
Highlights
The number of different endurance sporting events is increasing annually [1]
Triathlons are endurance events that involve swimming, running, and cycling. They vary in distance from sprint races that can take as little as 1 h to complete to Ironman-length events that consist of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run [2,3]
Rollo et al [31] reported that mouth rinse with CH significantly increased Feeling Scale (FS) ratings immediately before the 30-min run compared to rinsing with a placebo solution
Summary
The number of different endurance sporting events is increasing annually [1]. Triathlons are endurance events that involve swimming, running, and cycling. CH significantly increased FS ratings (higher pleasant feelings) immediately before the 30-min run compared to rinsing with a placebo solution This variation was not maintained once exercise began [31]; this finding is contrary to that of the present study in which no differences were observed at any stage of the trial (before and after the exercise intervention) between the different solutions and mouthwash. Rollo et al [31] reported that mouth rinse with CH significantly increased FS ratings (higher pleasant feelings) immediately before the 30-min run compared to rinsing with a placebo solution
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