Running Performance in Response to Different Forms of Carbohydrate Through Cephalic-Phase Responses
Alyssa J Guadagni1, Christine A Ward2, Jamie A Cooper2
1Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
|January 6, 2026
Summary
Carbohydrate dissolvable strips (DS) and carbohydrate mouth rinses (CMR) improved running performance. The DS showed stronger ergogenic effects compared to the water mouth rinse (WMR) control, enhancing time trial completion.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Nutrition
Background:
- Carbohydrate ingestion enhances exercise performance but can cause gastrointestinal issues.
- Cephalic-phase responses, triggered by nutrient sensing without ingestion, may also offer ergogenic benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the ergogenic effects of carbohydrate mouth rinse (CMR) and carbohydrate dissolvable strip (DS) against a water mouth rinse (WMR) control.
- To assess their impact on running performance during a 12.87-km time trial (TT).
Main Methods:
- Eighteen endurance-trained adults participated in a randomized, controlled, crossover trial.
- Participants completed three 12.87-km time trials on a treadmill, each with a different treatment (DS, CMR, or WMR) administered eight times during the trial.
Main Results:
- The DS significantly improved TT performance times and final completion time compared to WMR.
- Both DS and CMR led to a faster calculated pace per 1.61 km and improved percent change in completion time versus WMR.
- DS increased average heart rate during the TT compared to both CMR and WMR.
Conclusions:
- Both DS and CMR treatments enhanced running performance markers in a time trial.
- The carbohydrate dissolvable strip (DS) demonstrated stronger evidence of performance improvement than the carbohydrate mouth rinse (CMR).
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