Abstract
The current study compared mouth swills containing carbohydrate (CHO), menthol (MEN) or a combination (BOTH) on 40 km cycling time trial (TT) performance in the heat (32 °C, 40% humidity, 1000 W radiant load) and investigates associated physiological (rectal temperature (Trec), heart rate (HR)) and subjective measures (thermal comfort (TC), thermal sensation (TS), thirst, oral cooling (OC) and RPE (legs and lungs)). Eight recreationally trained male cyclists (32 ± 9 y; height: 180.9 ± 7.0 cm; weight: 76.3 ± 10.4 kg) completed familiarisation and three experimental trials, swilling either MEN, CHO or BOTH at 10 km intervals (5, 15, 25, 35 km). The 40 km TT performance did not differ significantly between conditions (F2,14 = 0.343; p = 0.715; η2 = 0.047), yet post-hoc testing indicated small differences between MEN and CHO (d = 0.225) and MEN and BOTH (d = 0.275). Subjective measures (TC, TS, RPE) were significantly affected by distance but showed no significant differences between solutions. Within-subject analysis found significant interactions between solution and location upon OC intensity (F28,196 = 2.577; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.269). While solutions containing MEN resulted in a greater sensation of OC, solutions containing CHO experienced small improvements in TT performance. Stimulation of central CHO pathways during self-paced cycling TT in the heat may be of more importance to performance than perceptual cooling interventions. However, no detrimental effects are seen when interventions are combined.
Highlights
The individual cycling time trial (TT), commonly referred to as “the race of truth”, has long been a test of an individual’s cardiovascular capacity, muscular endurance and fortitude [1]
Heat adversely affected mean power output (W), heart rate (HR), core temperature (Trec ), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and thermal sensation (TS) and were significantly different from measures obtained in cool conditions
We demonstrated that menthol-containing solutions impart a greater
Summary
The individual cycling time trial (TT), commonly referred to as “the race of truth”, has long been a test of an individual’s cardiovascular capacity, muscular endurance and fortitude [1]. Elite cyclists complete 40–50 km distances, averaging speeds in excess of 48 kph [2]. Studies in trained cyclists have shown average wattage (W) to be greater than. 300 W in both indoor and outdoor settings [3], with heart rate (HR) averaging between. Pfeiffer and Abbiss [5] assessed 40 km TT performance in hot and cool conditions (32 ◦ C and 17 ◦ C, respectively). Heat adversely affected mean power output (W), heart rate (HR), core temperature (Trec ), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and thermal sensation (TS) and were significantly different from measures obtained in cool conditions. Sports scientists, coaches and athletes continue to look at ways to improve performance when competing in the heat
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
