Abstract
Menthol Energy Gel Effects On Laboratory Time Trial Performance In The Heat Among Trained Runners: 287
Medicine and science in sports and exercise, Vol.55(9S), pp.95-96
09/2023
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Abstract
L-menthol (menthol) is an organic compound derived from peppermint which imparts a refreshing mint flavor and aroma to oral hygiene products, chewing gum, and topical analgesics. Menthol has been identified as a non-thermal sensory cooling strategy for athletes when ingested or mouth-rinsed during exercise in hot environments. A sports nutrition product delivering a controlled concentration of menthol could be beneficial for athletes exercising in the heat.
PURPOSE: To test the performance and perceptual benefits of a novel menthol energy gel during treadmill running in the heat (33 °C, 49% RH).
METHODS: Fourteen trained runners (age: 30.9 ± 5.7 y, VO2max: 56.5 ± 10.1 ml/kg/min, BMI: 23.2 ± 2.4 kg/m2; 6 female) participated in a randomized, crossover, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. A menthol-enhanced energy gel (MEN) or flavor-matched placebo (PLA) was ingested 5 min before and every 20 min during a 40 min treadmill exercise preload at 60% VO2max followed immediately by a 20 min self-paced time trial. Total distance, vertical distance, perceptual measures (thermal comfort, thermal sensation, rate of perceived exertion, and affect), and cognitive performance were assessed.
RESULTS: ANOVA revealed no significant difference between trials for total distance covered (MEN: 4.22 ± 0.54 km, PLA: 4.22 ± 0.54 km, P = 0.992), vertical distance covered (MEN: 49.2 ± 24.6 m, PLA: 44.4 ± 11.4 m, P = 0.516), or any perceptual measures (all P > 0.05). Cognitive performance was no different between trials (all P > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that a menthol energy gel is not superior to a non-menthol gel in terms of performance or perception during indoor treadmill running in the heat. More research is needed to confirm whether these findings translate to more ecologically valid settings including outdoor exercise in ambient heat and during competition.
Details
- Title
- Menthol Energy Gel Effects On Laboratory Time Trial Performance In The Heat Among Trained Runners
- Creators
- Roxanne M. Vogel - Southern Cross UniversityNicole Varone - Texas Woman’s University (TWU)Cayla Clark - Texas Woman’s University (TWU)Kyndall Ramirez - Texas Woman’s University (TWU)Megan L. Ross - Australian Catholic UniversityChristian Swann - Southern Cross UniversityChristopher J. Stevens - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Medicine and science in sports and exercise, Vol.55(9S), pp.95-96
- Publisher
- Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
- Identifiers
- 991013141913102368
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2023 by the American College of Sports Medicine
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health; Human Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Abstract