Rollo, I., Cole, M., Miller, R., & Williams, C. (2009). Influence of mouth-rinsing a carbohydrate solution on 1 hour running performance. ACSM 56th Annual Meeting, Seattle, Washington. Presentation number 1463.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of mouth-rinsing a carbohydrate solution on one hour of running performance. Following a prolonged fast of 13-15 hours, endurance-trained male runners (N = 10) completed two one-hour performance runs on an automated treadmill that allowed changes in running speed without manual input. Runners either mouth-rinsed a 6.4% carbohydrate or placebo solution immediately before and at 15-minute intervals during the one-hour run. Solutions were rinsed for five seconds before being expectorated into pre-weighed containers.

Running speed was significantly faster between 25-30 minutes, 35-40 minutes, and 55-60 minutes for the carbohydrate-rinse condition. Carbohydrate oxidation and respiratory exchange ration were no different between trials. No differences were reported between trials for perceived exertion, felt arousal, or pleasure-displeasure.

Implication. Mouth-rinsing a 6.4% CHO solution significantly increased self-selected running speed in the latter half of a one-hour performance run.

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