Neither a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement nor caffeine were effective at improving markers of blood flow or upper-body resistance exercise performance

Michael S. Blake, Nathaniel R. Johnson, Kara A. Trautman, James W. Grier, Sherri N. Stastny, Kyle J. Hackney

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(2): 167-182, 2020. Few studies have measured the effects of multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements on blood flow or heart rate variability or have compared a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement to a matched single ingredient. This study examined the effects of a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement, an equivalent amount of caffeine, and placebo on markers of resistance training performance, blood flow, blood pressure, and heart rate variability. The study utilized a randomized, placebo-controlled, repeated-measures, crossover design. Twelve resistance-trained males (22.75 ± 4.51 yrs; 183.4 ± 7.37 cm; 91.05 ± 17.77 kg) completed the study. Resistance exercise performance was defined as total work performed during elbow flexion and extension on an isokinetic dynamometer. Blood flow was calculated using time-averaged mean velocity and blood vessel diameter of the right brachial artery, which were measured via Doppler ultrasound. Heart rate was recorded using an electrocardiogram. Neither a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement nor caffeine alone improved upper-body resistance exercise performance or markers of blood flow relative to placebo. No differences in heart rate variability were observed across treatments. A multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement was not effective at improving performance or blood flow and did not alter autonomic nervous system function.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)167-182
Number of pages16
JournalInternational Journal of Exercise Science
Volume13
Issue number2
StatePublished - 2020

Keywords

  • Blood flow
  • Heart rate variability
  • L-arginine
  • Nitrate
  • Vasodilation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Occupational Therapy

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