Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026
12:09
Stimulating the Lip Motor Cortex with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Published on: June 14, 2014
19.9K
Effects of Menthol Mouth Rinsing on Performance and Surface EMG Activity During Heat-Stressed Cycling
Kierstyn V Hawke1, Ryan C A Foley1, Nicholas J La Delfa1
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5, Canada.
Nutrients
|April 14, 2026
Summary
Menthol mouth rinsing (MR) significantly improved cycling performance and cadence in the heat. This ergogenic aid enhanced power output without negatively impacting perceived exertion or physiological strain during high-intensity exercise.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Environmental Physiology
Background:
- Heat stress impairs exercise performance and increases physiological strain.
- Menthol's cooling sensation may offer ergogenic benefits by modulating perceived exertion and physiological responses.
- Limited research exists on menthol's effects on cycling performance in hot conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of menthol mouth rinsing (MR) on cycling performance, neuromuscular activation, and perceptual responses during high-intensity exercise in the heat.
- To determine if menthol MR can enhance power output and cadence while mitigating fatigue.
- To explore menthol's influence on muscle activation patterns during strenuous cycling.
Main Methods:
- 10 trained adolescent male cyclists performed a modified variable cycling test in a hot environment (31.45°C).
- Participants randomly received either 0.01% L-menthol or placebo mouth rinse every 6 minutes.
- Power output, cadence, rating of fatigue, affective feeling, and surface electromyography (sEMG) of five muscles were recorded.
Main Results:
- Menthol MR significantly increased mean power output by 1.67% and enhanced cadence (87.4 vs. 84.5 RPM).
- No significant differences in rating of fatigue or affective feeling were observed between menthol and placebo conditions.
- Muscle activation decreased over time in VM, TA, RF, and Gast; VL showed a trend towards lower activation with menthol, and VL/RF activation decreased progressively with menthol during fatigue.
Conclusions:
- Menthol mouth rinsing is an effective ergogenic aid for improving cycling performance in the heat.
- Menthol MR enhances power output and cadence without altering perceptual strain or physiological strain.
- Further research is needed to confirm the ergogenic magnitude and elucidate the physiological mechanisms behind menthol's effects on muscle activation.
