Pre-workout Supplement Research Articles

Effects Of Honest And Dishonest Pre-exercise Placebo Ingestion On Vo2Peak And Isometric Handgrip Performance

Pre-exercise consumption of placebo has been shown to improve resistance and endurance exercise performance. However, the effects of placebo ingestion on graded exercise test performance have not been widely reported in the literature. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of honest (subjects were told they were consuming placebo) or dishonest (subjects were told they were consuming a pre-workout supplement) placebo ingestion on VO2peak values determined during a maximal treadmill graded exercise test. A secondary purpose of this study was to examine the effects of placebo consumption on isometric handgrip performance. We hypothesized that pre-exercise ingestion of both placebo conditions would result in increased VO2peak and handgrip performance compared to control. METHODS: 28 males (178.4 ± 6.94 cm, 83.3 ± 14.8 kg, 22.6 ± 2.3 yrs.) and 13 females (166.4 ± 8.49 cm, 73.6 ± 20 kg, 26.4 ± 11 yrs.) participated in this study. In a randomized, cross-over design, subjects performed treadmill VO2peak and isometric handgrip testing after consumption of honest placebo (HP) or dishonest placebo (DP). In addition, a third baseline trial (CON) was performed to establish performance values that were unaffected by a perceived placebo effect due to supplementation. All outcomes were assessed for normality using the Shapiro-Wilks test. When assumptions of normality were violated, log transformations were computed. However, transformations did not improve model assumptions. Therefore, non-transformed data is reported. One-way ANOVAs were used to analyze VO2peak and handgrip strength data across conditions. Alpha was set at 0.05 prior to all analyses. RESULTS: Significant between-groups differences (p < 0.05) were not detected for relative VO2peak (CON = 46.2 ± 9.3 mL/kg/min; HP = 46.7 ± 10 mL/kg/min; DP = 46.6 ± 9.6 mL/kg/min) or for maximal handgrip strength (CON = 43 ± 9.6 kg; HP = 44.1 ± 12.4 kg; DP = 43.4 ± 12.1 kg). CONCLUSION: Administration of honest or dishonest placebo immediately prior to VO2peak and handgrip testing had no effect on performance compared to control. The VO2peak and isometric handgrip tests were found to be robust exercise tests not significantly influenced by perceived pre-workout supplement consumption.

Effect of Huperzine A on Cognitive Function and Perception of Effort During Exercise

PURPOSE: Huperzine-A has shown the ability to acutely improve cognitive function in certain populations, and therefore is commonly added to pre-workout supplements. However, its effects have not been studied in exercise-trained individuals. We hypothesized that acute consumption of huperzine-A would improve cognitive function during exercise, which may be beneficial for exercise performance. METHODS: From January to April, 2018, 15 exercise-trained individuals (women and men, BMI 23.5±1.4 kg/m2, age 30.4±3.6 years) were studied in a double blind randomized-sequence cross-over study, in which they underwent tests for cognitive function (digit span, verbal/word fluency, and Stroop), neuromuscular performance (sharpened Romberg and dart throwing), and exercise performance (estimated aerobic capacity, hand-grip strength, vertical jump, and push-up) after acute ingestion of huperzine-A (200 mcg) or placebo. A 7- to 10-day washout period separated the subsequent trials. RESULTS: No measures of cognitive function differed between placebo or huperzine-A trials (all p≥0.296). Heart rates (157±4 vs.158±4 bpm; p=0.518) and ratings of perceived exertion (13.7±0.56 vs. 13.9±0.61; p=0.582) did not differ between placebo and huperzine-A trials, respectively. Ratings of subjective difficulty post-exercise (0-10 scale) were significantly higher (5.7±0.38 vs. 6.8±0.38; p=0.002) in the huperzine A trial than the placebo trial. No differences were observed for neuromuscular or exercise performance measures between both groups (all p≥0.497). CONCLUSION: Huperzine-A does not enhance cognitive function during exercise despite it being marketed as a cognitive enhancer. Because of its inability to enhance cognitive function, its inclusion in pre-workout supplements warrants reconsideration. Other more practical and effective strategies should be considered.

The Effects of Two Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplements on Endurance Capacity and Anaerobic Cycling Performance

The Effects of Two Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplements on Endurance Capacity and Anaerobic Cycling Performance

Effects Of A Single Dose Multi-ingredient Pre-workout Supplement On Aerobic And Anaerobic Performance In Men

PURPOSE: To assess the effects of a single dose of a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement (MIPS) on aerobic and repeated anaerobic performance tests. METHODS: Eight college-aged men were recruited to participate in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. All participants were tested within the same week separated by 48 hours and were provided either the placebo (PLA) or the MIPS on each day. As per the manufacturer’s instructions, the participants waited 25 minutes to begin the tests, following consumption of the drink. Aerobic exercise performance was assessed using the Modified Astrand Treadmill Protocol, during which maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max) and maximal aerobic exercise time were determined. Following this test, participants were provided a 20-minute seated rest period. After the rest period, participants completed a short warm-up which consisted of 2 minutes of cycling at 50 RPMs against a light resistance, followed by 3, 10-second sprints, to determine the max RPMs. After the warm-up, participants completed the repeated anaerobic power test, which consisted of 10, 6-second sprints, with 45 seconds of active rest in between each sprint. For each sprint, a resistance of 7.5% of the participant’s body mass was applied at 90% of their max RPM. Peak power (PP) was determined for each sprint and the percent decline in PP from the first to the last sprint was calculated. V̇O2max, exercise time and the percent decline in PP for the sprints were analyzed using a dependent t-test. The peak power of the 10 sprints were analyzed using 2x10 ANOVA. The alpha level was set a priori to p<0.05. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the PLA and MIPS for V̇O2max. However, there was a significant difference in treadmill time (p=0.005) with MIPS (10.4±1.6 min) performing better than PLA (10.0±1.6 min). There were no significant differences between the PLA and MIPS when analyzing peak power during the 10 sprints or percent decline in PP. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of this MIPS improved maximal aerobic exercise time despite no changes in V̇O2max. However, this MIPS did not improve performance during a repeated anaerobic power test. Study supported by Cenegenics®

Severe lactic acidosis due to excessive consumption of Cellucor C4 exercise supplement

Lactic acidosis is a common laboratory abnormality encountered in hospitalized patients with a broad differential diagnosis encompassing many life-threatening etiologies. Here, we present a case of a patient with a persistently elevated lactate attributed to the use of a pre-workout supplement called Cellucor C4. The use of herbal and dietary supplements is increasingly common, with low disclosure rates to health care practitioners. This case highlights the importance of considering rare causes of lactic acidosis in the absence of hemodynamic instability. It emphasizes the importance of obtaining a detailed history of non-prescription drugs, including herbal and dietary supplements, and illustrates the potential risks associated with the use of these unregulated products.

Common Habits, Adverse Events, and Opinions Regarding Pre-Workout Supplement Use Among Regular Consumers.

The purpose of the present study was to examine characteristics of multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement (MIPS) users, their common patterns/habits of MIPS ingestion, and their associated feelings about the effectiveness and safety of this class of supplements. An online electronic survey was distributed through social media to assess self-reported supplementation practices and preferences among adult males and females who reported regular MIPS use. A total of 1045 individuals responded, with 872 of these individuals (males: n = 636, 72.9%; females: n = 233, 26.7%; mean ± SD; age = 27.7 ± 7.9 years; training age = 8.2 ± 7.3 years) completing the survey. The majority of respondents reported the length of current or past MIPS consumption as greater than one year (n = 630, 72.2%), with ingestion frequencies primarily of four (n = 210, 24.1%) or five (n = 212, 24.3%) days per week of training. In addition, the three most popular goals for ingesting MIPS were increased energy and focus (n = 776, 89.0%), muscular endurance (n = 325, 37.3%), and blood flow or “pump” (n = 322, 37.0%). Although most users reported ingesting one serving size with each use, 14% reported ingesting two or more, and 18% indicated they ingest MIPS more than once per day. Importantly, over half (54%) of the respondents reported experiencing side-effects following MIPS use, including skin reactions, heart abnormalities, and nausea. Females were more likely than males to experience these side effects, despite being less likely to consume two or more serving sizes per dose. Our findings also indicated that MIPS users should consume no more than the recommended serving size of a given supplement, as the potentially significant variability in the caffeine content of MIPS products is compounded as more doses are consumed. Furthermore, MIPS users should minimize the ingestion of other supplements which contain high levels of niacin and caffeine, as the concurrent consumption of such products may put users above the tolerable upper limits for these substances.

Effects of Supplementation of a Pre-workout on Power Maintenance in Lower Body and Upper Body Tasks in Women.

Currently there is a lack of research into how women respond to pre-workout supplementation. The effects of supplements on exercise performance in women, specifically to power, must be performed. This study investigated the effects of supplementation on power production and maintenance during a high-intensity cycle ergometry sprint performance, vertical jump performance, and bench press performance in women. It also investigated the effects of supplementation on power production and the maintenance of upper and lower body tasks in women. A total of 23 females (22.9 ± 3.6 years, 175.6 ± 6.5 cm, 86.9 ± 15.1 kg, 19.1 ± 8.4 body fat percentage (BF%) (mean ± std. dev.)) were familiarized with the testing protocol and maximal bench press performances were attained (49.5 ± 15.4 kg). Utilizing a double-blind crossover design, subjects completed three trials of: Five countermovement vertical jumps, a high-intensity cycle sprint protocol, which consisted of 10 maximal, five second cycle ergometer sprints. Subjects performed a velocity bench press test, utilizing 80% of their predetermined one repetition maximum (1RM) for 10 sets of three repetitions for maximal speed. For 20 min prior to each trial, the subjects ingested, in a randomized order, a pre-workout supplement (Supp), placebo+150 mg caffeine (Caff), or a placebo (PL). Peak power (PP), mean power (MP), and minimum power (MNP) were recorded for each sprint. Maximal velocity from each set was also recorded. Bike sprint and bench press data were normalized to the placebo trial for analysis. Blood lactate (bLa−) was measured immediately prior to each testing session, within 2 min of the completion of the last cycle sprint and following the bench press test. Bike sprint and bench press testing showed no significant differences through the testing sessions, but did significantly decline over test battery (p < 0.05). Vertical jump performance and lactate levels were not significantly different. Supplementation with a pre-workout supplement or placebo with caffeine 20 min prior to participation showed no positive benefits to performance in female participants.

Comparing the caffeine content of caffeine-containing dietary supplements in British Columbia

Background and Purpose: The use of dietary supplements is on the rise in Canada. This raises questions about the safety of the supplements when taken in the recommended dosage. One ingredient of concern in dietary supplements is caffeine, which can cause adverse health effects when consumed in great enough quantities. Given the lack of research into the caffeine content of dietary supplements, along with few regulations that exist regarding labelling or limits on caffeine content within Canada, a major concern is whether or not these supplements pose a risk to the public. The purpose of this study is to compare the caffeine content of various types of dietary supplements, and to determine if the caffeine content warrants a risk to the public. Methods: Supplement stores within the Vancouver Metropolitan Area were visited online and in person, and supplements were categorized as an energy drink, pre-workout supplement, energy bar, fat-loss supplement, or caffeine pill or capsule. The caffeine content per recommended dosage of each supplement was recorded from the label. Results: It was found that the caffeine content did vary between supplement categories (Kruskall-Wallis one way ANOVA test had a p-value &lt; 0.000), and that fat-loss supplements and pre-workout supplements had the highest caffeine content with a mean 221.19mg per serving and 249.68mg per serving respectively. Caffeine pills had a mean of 186.90mg per serving, energy drinks had a mean of 166.84mg per serving, and energy bars had a mean of 85.06mg per serving. Discussion: Health Canada recommends that healthy adults not exceed 400mg of caffeine per day. Exceeding this limit can lead to adverse health reactions, such as anxiety, insomnia, heart palpitations or more serious symptoms such as convulsions or death. It was found in this study that 5% of the samples exceeded 400mg, and can be considered hazardous. Taking multiple doses of supplements, or consuming additional caffeine from alternative sources, such as coffee, also puts consumers at a greater risk of exceeding the recommended limits. Currently there are no regulations in Canada regarding how much caffeine is permitted within these products, or any labeling requirements for caffeine in dietary supplements. Conclusion: Given the increase in popularity of dietary supplements in Canada, along with the limited regulations on labelling requirements, caffeine-containing supplements could potentially pose a risk to consumers. This study shows that the caffeine content differs between types of dietary supplements, and that some supplements exceed the Health Canada guidelines of 400mg. More regulations and guidelines on labeling requirements for these supplements may be necessary to protect the public.&#x0D;

Prevalence and Predictors of Higher-Risk Supplement Use Among Collegiate Athletes.

Sassone, J, Muster, M, and Barrack, MT. Prevalence and predictors of higher-risk supplement use among National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletes. J Strength Cond Res 33(2): 443-450, 2019-This study aimed to identify the prevalence and predictors associated with the use of higher-risk dietary supplements, defined as supplements containing herbal ingredients, caffeine, or those classified for weight loss, muscle-building, or as a preworkout supplement, among 557 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I male and female collegiate athletes. Although 252 (45.2%) athletes reported the use of a dietary supplement on ≥2 days per week over the past year, 46 (8.3%) athletes met criteria for higher-risk supplement use. Twenty (3.6%) athletes reported the use of herbal, 1 (0.2%) caffeinated, 5 (0.9%) weight loss, 28 (5.0%) preworkout, and 1 (0.2%) muscle-building supplements. Body mass index status (BMI ≥30 kg·m), sport-type (sports using the phosphocreatine energy system), and college year (≥4th year) were associated with the use of preworkout, muscle-building, or herbal supplements. A multiple regression analysis identified predictors of higher-risk supplement use including the number of dietary supplements used in the past year (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.7-2.7, p < 0.001), the reported motivation of taking dietary supplements to gain muscle and lose body fat (OR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.1-11.7, p = 0.04), and the motivation to increase athletic endurance (OR = 3.5, 95% CI = 4.0, 95% CI = 1.6-9.9, p < 0.005). These factors may be considered as a part of a screening process to evaluate athletes with an increased risk of higher-risk supplement use and potential consequences to health or eligibility status.

Common Ingredient Profiles of Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplements.

Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements are a popular class of dietary supplements which are purported to improve exercise performance. However, the composition of these products varies substantially between formulations, thus making comparisons challenging. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify a common ingredient profile of top-selling pre-workout supplements and to compare ingredient dosages to established efficacious values. The top 100 commercially available pre-workout products were analyzed for listed ingredients and amounts, if available, from the supplement facts panel. The mean ± SD number of ingredients per supplement (n = 100) was 18.4 ± 9.7 with 8.1 ± 9.9 of these ingredients included in a proprietary blend at undisclosed quantities. Relative prevalence and average amounts of the top ingredients amounted to: Beta-alanine (87%; 2.0 ± 0.8 g), Caffeine (86%; 254.0 ± 79.5 mg), Citrulline (71%; 4.0 ± 2.5 g), Tyrosine (63%; 348.0 ± 305.7 mg), Taurine (51%; 1.3 ± 0.6 g), and Creatine (49%; 2.1 ± 1.0 g). Nearly half (44.3%) of all ingredients were included as part of a proprietary blend with undisclosed amounts of each ingredient. The average amount of beta-alanine per serving size was below the recommended efficacious dose. The average caffeine content was near the low end for an effective relative dose for a 70 kg individual (3–6 mg·kg−1 of bodyweight).

The Effects of Pre-Workout Supplementation on Anaerobic Power and Maintenance of Power in College Students

The Effects of Pre-Workout Supplementation on Anaerobic Power and Maintenance of Power in College Students

Supplementation with a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement does not augment resistance training adaptations in females

Supplementation with a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement does not augment resistance training adaptations in females

Acute Effects of a Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplement On 5-KM Running Performance in Recreationally-Trained Athletes

Acute Effects of a Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplement On 5-KM Running Performance in Recreationally-Trained Athletes

Acute effects of pre-workout supplement on aerobic and anaerobic performance in basketball players

Background and aim of the study : In recent years, the use of ergogenic aid has become widespread in order to improve performance among the athletes and to achieve success more easily. Pre-workout nutritional supplements that attract the attention of many athletes as a legal ergogenic aid are used by both aerobic and anaerobic branch athletes. The aim of this study is to examine the acute effect of the pre-workout supplement on aerobic and anaerobic performance in basketball players. Material and Method: Twenty male college basketball players who have played regularly at least for 5 years participated in the study voluntarily (mean ± SD 22.00 ± 1.70 years, height 1.83 ± 0.07 cm, weight 85.15 ± 10.78 kg, BMI 25.32 ± 3.10). Double-blind placebo-controlled, cross-over method was used for the collection of data. The players were divided into two groups as placebo (PL, n= 10) and pre-workout (PRW, n= 10). Placebo and pre-workout groups were replaced 48 hours after the initial measurements and the same tests were repeated. The pre-workout group was given 17 gr (Bigjoy Predator) in 200 mg of additive-free juice 1 hour before the test, only 200 mg of additive free juice was given to the placebo group. Countermovement Jump (CMJ) and Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) were used to measure the anaerobic performance of the athletes, and Yoyo Intermittent Recovery Test 1(Yo-Yo IRL1) was used to measure aerobic capacities. Results: A significant difference was found concerning the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) test results (p= 0, 004), Relative peak power (p= 0.001) and Relative average power (p= 0.012) values obtained from RAST test data. There was no significant difference in fatigue index (p = 0.79) and VO2 max (p= 0.492) values. Conclusion: While pre-workout supplementation has an acute effect on anaerobic power data, it has been observed that there is no acute effect on the data obtained from fatigue index and aerobic endurance test.

Effects of Pre-Workout Supplements on Strength, Endurance, and Mood

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the acute effects of consuming pre-workout supplements on indices of muscular strength, endurance and mood states. Methods: In a double- blind, placebo-controlled, randomized crossover design, fourteen moderate to highly-trained recreational athletes (7 female, 7 male) participated in this investigation. Subjects came to the lab twice between testing sessions. They consumed either pre supplement (mixed with 8 to 12 ounces of water) or placebo 30-minutes prior to testing. The pre-workout supplement combination (Athelite Nutrition Inc.) contained 15.62 grams per serving, 25 kcals, that consisted of a proprietary blend including caffeine (as green coffee bean extract), L-theanine, black pepper extract, micronized creatine monohydrate, CarnoSyn® beta-alanine, Huperzine A, N-Acetyl L-carnitine, Nitrosigine®), or placebo. The placebo was a similar tasting drink with an equal amount of caffeine. Their body composition was assessed via the DEXA (Hologic Model Horizon W). Participants’ mood was also assessed via a profile mood states questionnaire (POMS) 30 minutes after product or placebo was consumed. After taking the profile mood states questionnaire, subjects had their exercise performance assessed via the 1-repition maximum bench press followed by bench press repetitions to failure at 60% of 1-repetition maximum with 30 seconds rest between sets (3 total sets). Results: There were significant differences (p Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the acute consumption of pre-workout supplements can enhance muscular endurance. Caffeine alone cannot explain effect on muscular endurance since the placebo also contained caffeine. However, the supplements had no effect on strength or mood states.

Acute Oral Ingestion of a Multi-ingredient Preworkout Supplement Increases Exercise Performance and Alters Postexercise Hormone Responses: A Randomized Crossover, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Multi-ingredient preworkout supplements (MIPS) are marketed as a means to increase exercise performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a single serving of Bang Pre-Workout Master Blaster (BMB) on upper- and lower-body power output and local muscular endurance. Ten resistance-trained males participated in two exercise testing sessions consisting of the vertical jump (VJ), seated medicine ball throw (SMBT), and local muscular endurance tests for the bench press (BP) and leg extension (LE) exercises at 70% of one-repetition maximum. Participants consumed placebo (PLA) or BMB 30 minutes prior to each exercise session. No difference between trials was observed for SMBT distance or BP repetitions. Vertical jump (p = .006) and LE repetitions (p = .014) were greater for the BMB trial compared with placebo. A significant interaction between trial and time was observed for insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1; p = .044). Serum IGF-1 was significantly increased at both 30 PS (p = .004) and 30PX (p = .038) compared with BL for the BMB trial only. In conclusion, acute ingestion of BMB increased lower-body power and endurance as measured by the VJ and LE repetition tests, respectively, without altering hemodynamics. Furthermore, serum IGF-1 increased in response to acute exercise with BMB supplementation, but not with PLA. No differences in human growth hormone (HGH) or serum cortisol responses were observed between trials.

The Effect of 1 Week of a Multi-ingredient Dietary Preworkout Supplement on Resting and Postacute Resistance Exercise Vascular Function.

Dietary preworkout supplements are popular among recreational exercisers and athletes. However, the effects of these supplements on the vasculature, both at rest and during exercise, are not well studied. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 1 week of supplementation with a multi-ingredient dietary preworkout supplement on measures of vascular function at rest and immediately following acute resistance exercise in young, recreationally active adults. Twelve participants (9 males and 3 females; mean ± SD: age = 24.5 ± 3.4 years and body mass index = 24.3 ± 4.7kg/m2) completed this double-blind, randomized, crossover design study. After familiarization, participants were randomized to either a taste-matched placebo or the preworkout supplement for 1 week preceding the testing visits. Participants underwent measures of vascular function, including brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, measures of central and peripheral blood pressure, and measures of arterial stiffness via pulse wave analysis and pulse wave velocity. All measures were taken at rest and immediately following an acute bilateral leg press exercise session. Resting and postacute exercise flow-mediated dilation, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness were similar between the placebo and the preworkout supplement visits. One week of multi-ingredient preworkout supplementation does not affect vascular function at rest or in response to an acute bout of resistance exercise in young, healthy, recreationally active individuals.

Boost Me: Prevalence and Reasons for the Use of Stimulant Containing Pre Workout Supplements Among Fitness Studio Visitors in Mainz (Germany).

The rapidly increasing interest in fitness related sports over the past few years has been accompanied by a booming industry of nutritional supplements. Many of these substances have unproven benefits and are even potentially harmful to the user. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and reasons for nutritional supplement (NS) use among fitness studio visitors in Mainz (Germany), emphasizing new multi-ingredient based supplements such as pre workout boosters (PWBs). Some of the PWBs contain stimulants such as DMAA, N,α-DEPEA, DMAE and DMBA with so far unknown risks, harms and benefits. Four-Hundred and Ninety Two participants in 13 fitness studios completed a questionnaire on the use of nutritional supplements. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to examine differences in supplement use regarding training- and intake-reasons. About 57.0% of the participants reported the use of NS during the last 4 weeks. The all-time prevalence of creatine use was 28.7%, whereas 12.2% of the participants stated creatine use during the past 4 weeks. The all-time prevalence of PWB intake was 25.8%, whereas the last month prevalence was 11.8%. Among the group of PWB users, 20.5% stated to search specifically for substances such as DMAA, N,α-DEPEA, DMAE or DMBA. Logistic regression analysis showed positive relations between creatine use and the predictor variables gender, strength training and bodybuilding, as well as the stated exercisers' training reasons to increase physical- and sports-performance, and quality of life. PWB consumption was related to the variables gender, training frequency, and the reason for sports performance enhancement. Specific ingredient focus was related to the predictor variables competition participation and increase of mental performance. The results of the study show a high prevalence of PWB consumption among fitness studios visitors, which is comparable with creatine use. The predicting variables for consumption seem to be slightly different between the supplements, especially if the users are searching for stimulating agents. The current findings help to create preliminary consumption patterns and can help to identify potential endangered fitness studio visitors for prevention and risk communication, especially for PWBs.

Current perspectives of caffeinated energy drinks on exercise performance and safety assessment

Current perspectives of caffeinated energy drinks on exercise performance and safety assessment Richard B Kreider Exercise and Sport Nutrition Lab, Human Clinical Research Facility, Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&amp;M University, College Station, TX, USA Abstract: Energy drinks and energy shots have become very popular among athletes and the general population. They typically contain carbohydrate, caffeine, and other nutrients purported to enhance mental and/or physical performance. Additionally, several caffeine-containing pre-workout supplements have been developed which are commonly consumed as a drink prior to and/or during exercise. While occasional ingestion of these types of products appears to be safe and may offer some ergogenic benefit, individuals who consume these products indiscriminately need to be careful and consider how ingestion of these products may affect the total daily intake of caffeine and other stimulants throughout the day, to minimize any adverse events and/or harmful side effects. This review provides an update as to the current literature on energy drinks and energy shots and provides practical recommendations for their appropriate use among athletes. Keywords: energy drinks, energy shots, pre-workout supplements, exercise performance, cognitive function

Examination of a Multi-ingredient Preworkout Supplement on Total Volume of Resistance Exercise and Subsequent Strength and Power Performance.

Bergstrom, HC, Byrd, MT, Wallace, BJ, and Clasey, JL. Examination of a multi-ingredient preworkout supplement on total volume of resistance exercise and subsequent strength and power performance. J Strength Cond Res 32(6): 1479-1490, 2018-This study examined the acute effects of a multi-ingredient preworkout supplement on (a) total-, lower-, and upper-body volume of resistance exercise and (b) the subsequent lower-body strength (isokinetic leg extension and flexion), lower-body power (vertical jump [VJ] height), upper-body power (bench throw velocity [BTv]), and cycle ergometry performance (critical power and anaerobic work capacity). Twelve men completed baseline strength and power measures before 2 experimental visits, supplement (SUP) and placebo (PL). The experimental visits involved a fatiguing cycling protocol 30 minutes after ingestion of the SUP or PL and 15 minutes before the beginning of the resistance exercise protocol, which consisted of 4 upper-body and 4 lower-body resistance exercises performed for 4 sets to failure at 75% 1 repetition maximum. The exercise volume for the total, lower, and upper body was assessed. The VJ height and BTv were measured immediately after the resistance exercise. Postexercise isokinetic leg extension and flexion strength was measured 15 minutes after the completion of a second cycling protocol. There was a 9% increase in the total-body volume of exercise and a 14% increase in lower-body volume of exercise for the SUP compared with the PL, with no effect on exercise volume for the upper body between the SUP and PL. The increased lower-body volume for the SUP did not result in greater lower-body strength and power performance decrements after exhaustive exercise, compared with the PL. These findings suggested the potential for the SUP to increase resistance exercise volume, primarily related to an increased lower-body volume of exercise.