The acute effects of a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement on resting energy expenditure and exercise performance in recreationally active females

Abstract

BackgroundThe use of dietary supplements to improve performance is becoming increasingly popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Unfortunately, there is a tremendous lack of research being done regarding female athletes and the use of sport supplements. The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement (MIPS) ingestion on resting metabolism and exercise performance in recreationally-active females.MethodsFifteen recreationally-active females participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study. Subjects completed baseline, and two experimental testing sessions in a cross-over design fashion. Experimental testing included assessment of resting energy expenditure (REE), heart rate, and blood pressure following the ingestion of a MIPS or placebo. Subjects also completed a repetition to failure test for the back squat (BS) and bench press (BP) at 85% of their 5-repetition maximum followed by the assessment of anaerobic power using a counter-movement vertical jump test and a sprint test on a force-treadmill. Subjective measurements of energy, focus, and fatigue were also assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Separate repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to assess differences in REE, cardiovascular responses, and subjective markers between conditions. Performance data were analyzed using paired Student’s T-tests.ResultsA significant main effect for condition was observed for REE (p = 0.021) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.011) following ingestion of the MIPS. The supplement condition resulted in a greater number of BP repetitions to failure and total work completed during treadmill test (p = 0.039) compared to placebo (p = 0.037). A significant condition x time interaction for focus was observed with the supplement treatment exhibiting improved focus at 80-min post ingestion (p = 0.046).ConclusionsConsumption of a MIPS increased resting metabolism following a single dose accompanied by an increase in diastolic blood pressure. Furthermore, acute MIPS ingestion improved upper body muscular endurance and anaerobic capacity while improving feelings of focus following high-intensity exercise in recreationally active females.

Effects of One Versus Two Doses of a Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplement on Metabolic Factors and Perceived Exertion during Moderate-Intensity Running in Females

“…Bergstrom et al [31] also found no changes in SBP after administering a caffeine-containing (200 mg (3.1 mg•kg −1 of BM)) thermogenic supplement at rest or during exercise, but found significant increases in DBP 15-, 30-, and 60-min post-exercise. Similarly, Cameron et al [4] reported no changes in SBP, but significant increases in DBP, following the acute ingestion of a caffeine-based pre-workout supplement. Collectively, the findings of these studies [8,14,30,31,34] indicated that the effects of caffeine-based supplements on heart rate and blood pressure are conflicting and may be due to differences in supplementation protocol (i.e., dosage, administration timing, blend of ingredients, caffeine content), conditions examined (i.e., at rest, intensity of exercise), or prior history with caffeine.…”

“…For example, pre-workout supplements often contain beta-alanine, caffeine, citrulline, tyrosine, taurine, creatine, arginine, and carnitine as well as numerous vitamins and minerals [1]. Thus, the purported effects of pre-workout supplements generally consist of elevated metabolic rate, increased measures of anaerobic and aerobic performance, and improvements in body composition [2][3][4][5][6]. Due to the relatively brief period of time that pre-workout supplements have been available, there are limited data concerning the influence of these multi-ingredient products on their ergogenic potential and variables related to general health (e.g., resting heart rate and blood pressure).…”

Caffeine content of pre‐workout supplements commonly used by Australian consumers

“…PWS claim to enhance exercise performance, reduce perception of fatigue, promote focus and for many, assist body fat loss. While only a few studies have been conducted to determine the efficacy of PWS on strength and power, isolated ingredients such as caffeine have received considerable scientific attention, indicating likely ergogenic effects . As such, many PWS promote the inclusion of caffeine as a primary active ingredient.…”

Current perspectives of caffeinated energy drinks on exercise performance and safety assessment

“…Likewise, Jung et al 36 reported that ingestion of a PWS containing beta-alanine, creatine nitrate, arginine alpha-ketoglutarate, N-acetyl-l-tyrosine, and caffeine prior to exercise improved the perceptions about readiness to perform and cognitive function. Finally, Cameron et al 38 reported that ingestion of a multi-ingredient PWS improved the feelings of focus following high-intensity exercise in recreationally active females. Collectively, these findings suggest that consumption of PWSs can affect cognitive performance and/or psychological perceptions related to exercise.…”