Acute Capsaicin Supplementation Improved Resistance Exercise Performance Performed After a High-Intensity Intermittent Running in Resistance-Trained Men

Abstract

Acute capsaicin supplementation improved resistance exercise performance performed after a high-intensity intermittent running in resistance-trained men. J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 130-134, 2022-We sought to investigate the acute effects of capsaicin supplementation on the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate during high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) and resistance exercise performance executed after HIIE in resistance-trained men. Eleven resistance-trained men completed 2 randomized, doubleblind trials: capsaicin condition or a placebo condition. The concurrent exercise session was composed of a 5-km intermittent run (1:1 effort and passive recovery ratio) and subsequent resistance exercise (4 3 70% of 1RM until muscle failure in the half-squat exercise). Heart rate was recorded during HIIE and after the protocol RPE (0-10 scale) was accessed. The resistance exercise performance was analyzed by the maximum number of repetitions performed for each set and the total volume (repetitions 3 weight lifted). During HIIE, the RPE (capsaicin 5 7 6 1 vs. placebo 5 8 6 1 points, t 5 23.674, p 5 0.005) and mean heart rate (capsaicin 5 153 6 13 vs. placebo 5 158 6 12 bpm, t 5 22.292, p 5 0.048) were significantly lower in the capsaicin compared with placebo condition. For subsequent resistance exercise, there was a significant decrease in volume across time (F 5 19.889, p , 0.001, h 2 5 0.69) with maximal number of repetitions performed in capsaicin than placebo condition (2,077.6 6 465.2 kg vs. 1,838.9 6 624.1 kg, p 5 0.028, d 5 0.43), but the condition vs. set was not significant (F 5 0.582, p 5 0.632, h 2 5 0.06). Acute capsaicin supplementation induced a lower mean heart rate and RPE during HIIE and improved subsequent resistance exercise performance in resistance-trained men.

Acute caffeine and capsaicin supplementation and performance in resistance training

“…Such improvement was verified through the increase in the number of maximum repetitions performed and, consequently, in the total volume performed by the individuals of the experimental group. Similar results were found by Freitas et al 16 , in which acute capsaicin supplementation improved the performance in resistance training, after performing a previous protocol of high-intensity interval training (HIIT). The result of this study demonstrated that capsaicin supplementation resulted in lower RPE in HIIT and improved performance in subsequent resistance training.…”

“…Each participant consumed two identical capsules before performing the exercise: capsaicin (12 mg) and placebo (starch); or caffeine (400 mg ≅ 5 mg.kg −1 ) and placebo; capsaicin and caffeine (12 mg + 400 mg ≅ 5 mg. kg −1 ; respectively), or placebo and placebo (Centralfarma, Ipatinga, Brazil). The 12 mg dose of capsaicin was adopted based on the results of the studies by Freitas et al 13 and Freitas et al 16 , who found positive effects on resistance training performance from acute supplementation of this substance (≅ 5 mg.kg −1 ). The relative caffeine dosage was adopted based on the literature, which indicates that such approximate values can be effective for increasing physical performance and safe for the volunteers 23 .…”

“…After 45 min of taking the capsules, the volunteers performed the exercise. This timing was determined because capsaicin reaches a peak of concentration 45 min following supplementation 12,13,16 . Caffeine, on the other hand, reaches peak concentrations between 30 and 75 min after oral ingestion 24 .…”

Capsaicin Analogue Supplementation Does Not Improve 10 km Running Time-Trial Performance in Male Amateur Athletes: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind and Placebo-Controlled Study

“…Previously, studies from our research group have used 12 mg of CAP 45 min before the exercise investigating different type of protocols (400, 1500, and 3000 m and in high-intensity intermittent exercise) in physically active men [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Additionally, improvements in combined exercise protocols, such as 5 km running plus strength exercise were detected applying 24 mg of CAP in two doses of 12 mg with 45 min interval between doses [ 15 ]. On the other hand, another study showed improved endurance performance using 150 mg CAP administered 60 min before a 30 min aerobic cycle ergometer exercise bout, demonstrating higher fat oxidation under CAP conditions compared to PLA [ 16 ].…”

Capsaicin analog supplementation is not effective to improve 10-km running time-trial performance in amateur athletes: a randomized, crossover, double-blind and placebo-controlled study

“…Previous studies from our research group found an improvement in performance applying 12 mg of CAP 45 minutes before different types of exercise and protocols (400 meters; 1.500 meters; 3.000 meters and high-intensity intermittent exercise) in physically active men [12][13][14]. Additionally, improvements in combined exercise protocols, such as 5-km running plus strength exercise were detected applying 24 mg of CAP in two doses of 12 mg with 45 minutes interval between doses [15]. On the other hand, another study showed improved endurance performance using 150 mg CAP administered 60 minutes before a 30 min aerobic cycle ergometer exercise bout, demonstrating higher fat oxidation under CAP conditions compared to placebo [16].…”