Effect of a carbohydrate mouthwash on running time-trial performance

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of a carbohydrate mouthwash on running time-trial performance. On two separate occasions, seven recreationally active males (VO2max 57.8 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), s = 3.7) completed a preloaded (15 min at 65%VO2max) time-trial of 45 min in duration on a motorized treadmill. At 6-min intervals during the preload and time-trial, participants were given either a 6% maltodextrin, 3% lemon juice solution (carbohydrate trial) or a 3% lemon juice placebo mouthwash (placebo trial) in a double-blind, randomized crossover design. Heart rate, oxygen consumption (VO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during the preload, and blood glucose and lactate were measured before and after the preload and time-trial. There were no significant differences in distance covered between trials (carbohydrate: 9333 m, s = 988; placebo: 9309 m, s = 993). Furthermore, there were no significant between-trial differences in heart rate and running speed during the time-trial, or VO2, RER or RPE during the preload. Blood lactate and glucose increased as a result of the exercise protocol, with no between-trial differences. In conclusion, there was no positive effect of a carbohydrate mouthwash on running performance of approximately 1 h duration.