Ganio, M. S., Klau, J. F., Yeargin, S. W., McDermott, B. P., Maresh, C. B., & Armstrong, L. E. Effect of a caffeinated carbohydrate-electrolyte fluid on cycling performance and leg maximal voluntary contraction. ACSM Annual Meeting New Orleans, Presentation Number, 903.

This study compared the effects of solutions of carbohydrate-electrolytes plus caffeine, carbohydrate-electrolytes-alone, and placebo on cycling performance and post-exercise leg maximal voluntary contractions in male cyclists (N = 14). Ss completed three exercise trials. After cycling continuously for 120 minutes (15-minute alternating intensities of ~61% and ~75%VO2max) in a warm environment (~28.7°C), Ss completed a 15-minute performance trial. Ss ingested one of the three treatment liquids (3 ml/kg) just before exercising and every 15 minutes during the exercise.

Total work accumulated during the performance trial was greater in the carbohydrate-electrolytes plus caffeine condition than in the placebo. There was no difference in total work between the carbohydrate-electrolytes-alone and placebo conditions. Maximal voluntary contraction force declined from pre- to post- measures in the placebo condition but not in the two carbohydrate-electrolytes conditions.

Implication. Carbohydrate-electrolytes plus caffeine ingestion during exercise reduced strength loss and increased total work when compared to carbohydrate-electrolytes-alone or a placebo condition. The combination of carbohydrates plus caffeine appears to increase the ergogenic effects of carbohydrate-electrolytes.

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