How Cool is That? The Effects of Menthol Mouth Rinsing on Exercise Capacity and Performance: A Systematic Review and
Erica H Gavel1, Gabriel Barreto2, Kierstyn V Hawke3
1Faculty of Science, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada. erica.gavel@ontariotechu.net.
Sports Medicine - Open
|February 21, 2024
Summary
Menthol mouth rinsing (MMR) does not significantly enhance overall exercise capacity or performance. However, athletes engaged in endurance activities might experience some benefits from this practice.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Menthol mouth rinsing (MMR) is increasingly popular among athletes for potential performance enhancement.
- The actual effectiveness and magnitude of MMR's impact on exercise capacity remain unclear.
Approach:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate MMR's efficacy.
- Ten studies were analyzed using three-level meta-analyses and meta-regressions.
- Factors like VO2 peak, rinsing duration, menthol concentration, and exercise type were examined.
Key Points:
- MMR did not yield significant improvements in overall exercise capacity and performance.
- Meta-regressions showed no significant influence of VO2 peak, rinsing duration, menthol concentration, or environmental temperature.
- The type of control solution used also did not significantly alter the results.
Conclusions:
- Menthol mouth rinsing does not significantly boost general exercise capacity and performance.
- Endurance athletes may potentially observe benefits, warranting further investigation into specific populations.
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