Effects of carbohydrates-BCAAs-caffeine ingestion on performance and neuromuscular function during a 2-h treadmill run: a randomized, double-blind, cross-over placebo-controlled study

Abstract

Background

Carbohydrates (CHOs), branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and caffeine are known to improve running performance. However, no information is available on the effects of a combination of these ingredients on performance and neuromuscular function during running.

Methods

The present study was designed as a randomized double-blind cross-over placebo-controlled trial. Thirteen trained adult males completed two protocols, each including two conditions: placebo (PLA) and Sports Drink (SPD: CHOs 68.6 g.L^-1, BCAAs 4 g.L^-1, caffeine 75 mg.L^-1). Protocol 1 consisted of an all-out 2 h treadmill run. Total distance run and glycemia were measured. In protocol 2, subjects exercised for 2 h at 95% of their lowest average speeds recorded during protocol 1 (whatever the condition). Glycemia, blood lactate concentration and neuromuscular function were determined immediately before and after exercise. Oxygen consumption ($\dot{\mathsf{\text{V}}}{\mathsf{\text{O}}}_2$), heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded during the exercise. Total fluids ingested were 2 L whatever the protocols and conditions.

Results

Compared to PLA, ingestion of SPD increased running performance (p = 0.01), maintained glycemia and attenuated central fatigue (p = 0.04), an index of peripheral fatigue (p = 0.04) and RPE (p = 0.006). Maximal voluntary contraction, $\dot{\mathsf{\text{V}}}{\mathsf{\text{O}}}_2$, and HR did not differ between the two conditions.

Conclusions

This study showed that ingestion of a combination of CHOs, BCAAs and caffeine increased performance by about 2% during a 2-h treadmill run. The results of neuromuscular function were contrasted: no clear cut effects of SPD were observed.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00799630

Keywords:

• Caffeine
• Maximal Voluntary Contraction
• Knee Extensor
• Prolonged Exercise
• Piperine

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1550-2783-8-22) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1550-2783-8-22) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Acknowledgements

This work was financed by Laboratoire Lescuyer (private enterprise).

Competing interests

Sébastien L Peltier is an employee of the company, Nutratletic, a subsidiary of Laboratoire Lescuyer. Jean-François Lescuyer is the general director for both companies. Other authors have no competing interests.

Authors' contributions

SLP, GYM, PS, AG, MG, JFL and LM developed the study protocol. AG was the principle investigator and LM was the project leader of this study. AG, LF, LV and LM were in charge of the recruitment of the subjects. LV was in charge of data collection and management. JBM, MG, AG, GYM and LF participated in data collection. GYM was responsible for the central and peripheral fatigue measurements. Moreover, he also carried out the statistical analysis of theses specific variables. For other measures of fatigue, SLP was responsible for the statistical analysis. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.