The Effects of Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse on Fasted High-Intensity Interval Training in Recreationally Trained Individuals

Introduction: High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Intermittent Fasting (IF) are popular trends in health and fitness, but research has not yet determined if IF complements or interferes with HIIT. Carbohydrate mouth rinse (CHO) has the potential to improve the performance of those participating in HIIT whilst fasting by reducing central fatigue. This study investigated the effects of CHO on fasted HIIT performance in recreationally trained individuals. Method: Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised crossover design, the study involved 15 recreationally trained subjects who completed cycling HIIT sessions under three conditions: CHO, placebo (PLA), and water (WAT). Primary outcomes of peak and mean power were measured, along with secondary outcomes of heart rate, distance and subjective measures. Results: No significant differences were found in peak or mean power between the three conditions. Both CHO and PLA conditions significantly (p<0.05) increased mean and peak heart rate, with medium-large effect sizes, compared to WAT, with no difference in perceptual responses. Conclusions: CHO and PLA mouth rinse may enhance HIIT performance in a fasted state by allowing the accumulation of greater metabolic stress, and thus physiological adaptations, for no increased perceptual cost. The greater metabolic stress may be the result of more work being completed in the first interval, however the sample size was insufficient to fully determine this. Since there appear to be no negative side-effects, rinsing the mouth with a CHO solution seems to be an accessible and cost-effective adjunct to HIIT training in the fasted state.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

msc

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Forster, Geraint

• RC1200 Meddygaeth Chwaraeon

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:3142