Exogenous Ketones Preserve Rate of Force Development in Young Adults

Stoner, JT, Buga, A, Crabtree, CD, Robinson, BT, Decker, DD, Sapper, TN, Kackley, ML, Kraemer, WJ, and Volek, JS. Exogenous ketones preserve rate of force development in young adults. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Few studies have examined the relationship between ketones and anaerobic neuromuscular performance, especially maximal strength and explosive power. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether exogenous ketone supplementation can enhance countermovement jump (CMJ) and isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) performance. Twenty, college-aged, active men and women (n = 10/10) were randomized and counterbalanced to consume 50 g of ketone precursors in the form of bis-octanoyl (R)-1,3-butanediol (BO-BD) or an isocaloric/flavor-matched placebo (PL) supplement during 2 experimental visits separated by a 3 to 7-day washout. Subjects completed 3 sets of 3 CMJ and IMTP repetitions at baseline, 60, and 120 minutes. Primary outcomes included CMJCMP, CMJPPP, CMJJH, and CMJPF, IMTPRFD, IMTPPF, IMTPRFD-FI, and IMTPPF-FI. Capillary beta-hydroxybutyrate (R-BHB), blood glucose, and heart rate were measured in 30-minute increments after supplement consumption. Capillary R-BHB concentrations rose incrementally post-BO-BD ingestion and peaked at 120-minutes (BO-BD vs. PL: 2.2 ± 0.7 vs. 0.3 ± 0.1 mM; p < 0.001), coinciding with lower blood glucose values (-24% vs. -3% mg·dl-1; p < 0.001), and elevated heart rate (13.3 vs. 3.6 bpm; p < 0.001). BO-BD preserved 8% higher RFD values 60-minutes post-ingestion relative to the PL (p = 0.022). CMJ performance was not influenced by either consuming condition. Consuming exogenous ketone precursors before peak strength attempts demonstrated a rate-of-force development preservation effect between sets, suggesting that nutritional ketosis may delay fatigue during repeated, high-intensity strength bouts.