Energy drinks do not alter aerobic fitness assessment using field tests in healthy adults regardless of physical fitness status

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of energy drink ingestion on the performance of running performance in amateur runners with different levels of physical fitness. Material: Sixty healthy subjects were selected and randomized according to the level of physical fitness (Low: <29.9 ml.kg-1.min-1; Moderate: 30-37.9 ml.kg-1.min-1; and High: > 38 ml.kg-1.min-1). Thereafter, they were further distributed in Placebo (27g glucose) and Energy Drink (27g glucose, 30g sodium, 1000mg taurine, 600mg glucuronolactone, 80mg caffeine, 50mg inositol, 16mg vitamin B3, 5mg vitamin B5, 1,3mg vitamin B2, 3 mg vitamin B6 and 2.4 mg vitamin B12), resulting in six groups according to physical fitness level such Placebo (P, Low: L, Moderate: M, High: H) and Energy Drink (ED, Low: L, Moderate: M, High: H). The drinks were administered 60 minutes prior to the cooper test. Results: Energy drink ingestion did not elicit performance improvement despite physical fitness level. However, the L group running distance was longer (P:3168 ± 167; ED: 3228 ± 218, meters) than M (P:1962 ± 75; ED: 2035 ± 105, meters) and L (P: 1422 ± 74; ED: 1440 ± 62, meters) (p<0.01). The same result was found following the use of the equation for calculating oxygen consumption (L group P: 20±1.4; BE: 23±1.4; ml.kg-1.min-1; M group P: 35±1.0; BE: 34±0.9 ml.kg-1.min-1; and H group P: 54±3.7; ED: 60±4.8 ml.kg- 1.min-1). Conclusion: Data from the present study demonstrated that the use of energy drinks does not enhance performance of amateur runners regardless of the level of physical fitness.