The effect of acute pre-workout supplementation on power and strength performance

Abstract

BackgroundConsumption of pre-workout dietary supplements by both recreational and competitive athletes has increased dramatically in recent years. The purpose of this study was to determine the acute effects of a caffeine-containing pre-workout dietary supplement on various measures of performance including anaerobic power, upper and lower body power, and upper body strength in recreationally trained males.MethodsThirteen males (mean ± SD age = 24 ± 6 yrs; height = 180.3 ± 5 cm; body mass = 83.4 ± 9 kg) participated in this investigation in which they reported to the laboratory on four separate occasions, each separated by one week. Each subject underwent an initial familiarization session on week one followed by baseline (BA) performance testing on week two. Performance testing included a medicine ball put (MBP) to determine upper body explosive power, vertical jump test (VJ) to determine lower body explosive power, one-rep maximum bench press (1-RM) for determining upper body strength, and a Wingate Anaerobic Power Test (WAnT) to determine measures of anaerobic power. On week three, subjects were randomly assigned to ingest either a pre-workout supplement (SUP) or a placebo (PL) and again complete the performance testing protocol. Subjects were provided with the crossover treatment on the fourth and final week. Performance testing commenced 20-minute following ingestion of both treatments, which was similar to previous investigations.ResultsSignificant differences in anaerobic peak power relative to the WAnT were observed following ingestion of the SUP (782 ± 191 W) in comparison to the PL (722 ± 208 W; p = 0.003; effect size = 0.30) and BA (723 ± 205 W; p = 0.011; effect size = 0.28). Significant differences were also observed for anaerobic mean power following ingestion of the SUP (569 ± 133 W) in comparison to the PL (535 ± 149 W; p = 0.006; effect size = 0.24) and BA (538 ± 148 W; p = 0.020; effect size = 0.22). No significant differences between trials were observed for upper body power, lower body power, or upper body strength.ConclusionsIngestion of the pre-workout dietary supplement led to significant improvements in anaerobic peak and mean power values in comparison to the placebo and baseline treatments. No improvements were observed in upper and lower body power or upper body strength. Taken prior to exercise, a caffeine-containing pre-workout dietary supplement may improve anaerobic power performance.

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.…”

Acute effects of pre-workout supplement on aerobic and anaerobic performance in basketball players

“…When the literature concerning this aspect is examined, it is observed that there are studies with respect to the effect of pre-workout nutritional supplement on athlete's aerobic and anaerobic performances [5, 8 -11]. To illustrate, Martinez et al [9] investigated the acute effects of caffeine-containing pre-workout nutritional supplement on anaerobic power for men who work out recreationally, and reported that these supplements lead to significant improvements in the values of anaerobic peak power and mean power. In a similar study, Jagim et al [10] examined the effects of multi-ingredient pre-workout ingestion on strength performance, lower body power and anaerobic capacity in resistance trained collegeaged men, and concluded that this supplement improved the mean power in anaerobic running capacity test.…”

Effects of Pre-Workout Supplements on Power Maintenance in Lower Body and Upper Body Tasks

“…This supplement has been shown to increase blood levels of ATP [22], increase exercise levels in sedentary individuals from a single dose [23], and enhance responses to chronic resistance training [24]. The supplement Huperzine has been shown to have positive effects on brain function, specifically decreasing cognitive deficits and oxidative stress in the rodent model after hypobaric hypoxia [25], and has been shown in conjunction with other supplements to enhance upper body strength endurance performance [6] and anaerobic sprint performance [26].…”