Knoche, L. W., Belitz, C. E., & Snyder, B. S. (2016). Effects of carbohydrate mouth rinsing on depleted-state wrestlers using a YO-YO IR Level 2 intermittent test. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 48(5), Supplement abstract number 262.

"A commonality among wrestlers in competition is reduced performance due to the glycogen and fluid-depleted state resulting from the rigors of dietary restriction and dehydration required to make weight limits."

This study compared the effects of carbohydrate mouth-rinsing and an indistinguishable placebo-condition in wrestlers in a depleted-state performing the YO-YO IR test. Male wrestlers (N = 12; ages 18-22 years) participated weekly for four weeks. Ss initially completed a familiarization trial of the YO-YO IR test. One week later, Ss completed a self-selected, repeated weight-cut regimen to within 2 lbs. of their weight category procedure, and a baseline YO-YO IR test (a shuttle-run protocol). Ss then completed two trials of mouth-rinsing or a placebo using a randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced experimental-design. After weigh-in, Ss mouth-rinsed with an artificially sweetened 6.4% maltodextrin carbohydrate-solution or an indistinguishable placebo for 10 seconds and then expectorated the solution. After a standardized warm-up, another mouth-rinse was performed and then the YO-YO IR test commenced. Final distances were recorded once Ss were no longer able to complete the paced-run in the given time.

There were no significant differences in distance covered between treatments. There appeared to be a learning/training effect as baseline distance was significantly less than that recorded for the fourth visit independent of the final treatment condition.

Implication. Carbohydrate mouth-rinsing showed no ergogenic effect when compared to a placebo in wrestlers making weight for a YOYO IR test. However, there was an apparent learning-effect/performance-change between the first exposure to the test and the last trial.

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