Acute effect of energy drink ingestion on Crossfit performance: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the acute effects of energy drink (ED) ingestion on CrossFit®performance in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study, with 8 CrossFit®-trained (26.5 ± 2.7 years;70.2 ± 13.0 kg; 1.7 ± 0.09 m; 23.0 ± 3.2 kg/m2; Σ skinfold thickness: 34.1 ± 6.9 mm; body fat: 13.3 ± 3.0%), that were randomly allocated to 2 groups and underwent 2 trials separated by a 7-day washoutperiod. Participants ingested either a dose of 300 mL of ED or Placebo (soda), 30 minutes before thestart of tests of muscular strength (MS), 10 and 12 maximum repetitions (MRs) in barbell bench press(BBP) and barbell squat (BS), respectively and localized muscular endurance (LME) using Workout of the Day (WOD) selected. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and the rating of perceived pain (RPP)were evaluated immediately after the tests. The total volume of repetitions (TVR) was evaluated to each test. The TVR was significantly higher after consuming the ED (p = 0.012) and of the Placebo(p = 0.027). There was a reduction in the rate of RPE after the consumption of both drinks (p = 0.023and p = 0.024). The consumption of ED significantly reduced the rate of RPP (p = 0.017). Acute EDingestion improved CrossFit® performance by increased the TVR and the pain tolerance.