A single dose of dihydrocapsiate does not improve neuromuscular performance in resistance-trained young adults: A randomised, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

Capsinoids may exert ergogenic effects on resistance exercises. However, the acute effects of capsinoids on neuromuscular performance in humans are unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate the acute effects of dihydrocapsiate on lower- and upper-body neuromuscular performance parameters in resistance-trained individuals. 25 young adults (n = 6 women; age = 26 ± 3 years; body mass index = 24.3 ± 2.8 kg/m2) with ≥ 1-year resistance training experience were included in this triple-blind (participants, intervention researchers, and data analysts were blinded), placebo-controlled, crossover study. Lower- and upper-body ballistic strength (countermovement jump [CMJ] height and bench press throw [BPT] peak velocity), maximum dynamic strength (estimated 1 repetition maximum in squat and bench press [BP]), and strength-endurance (mean set velocity [squat] and number of repetitions to failure [bench press]) were assessed in 2 independent sessions (≥7 days separation). Participants ingested 12 mg of dihydrocapsiate or placebo 30 min before each trial. We found no significant differences between dihydrocapsiate and placebo conditions in ballistic strength, (CMJ height 33.20 ± 8.07 vs 33.32 ± 7.85 cm; BPT peak velocity 2.82 ± 0.77 vs 2.82 ± 0.74 m/s) maximal dynamic strength (estimated squat 1RM: 123.76 ± 40.63 vs 122.66 ± 40.97 kg; estimated BP 1RM: 99.47 ± 43.09 vs 99.60 ± 43.34 kg), and strength-endurance (squat mean set velocity 0.66 ± 0.07 vs 0.66 ± 0.05 m/s; number BP repetitions to failure 13.00 ± 3.56 vs 13.00 ± 4.78) (all P ≥ 0.703). We conclude that dihydrocapsiate does not acutely improve neuromuscular performance in trained young adults.

Capsinoids ­ non-pungent analogs of capsaicin ­ have been recently proposed as potential ergogenic compounds in humans.However, the effects of a single dose of capsinoids on neuromuscular performance parameters in humans remains unknown.12 mg of dihydrocapsiate does not improve neuromuscular performance in resistance-trained young adults.Dihydrocapsiate should not be recommended as an ergogenic aid to acutely increase neuromuscular performance.

Caffeine ingestion attenuates diurnal variation of lower-body ballistic performance in resistance-trained women.

ABSTRACTThe present study investigates the effect of an acute intake of caffeine on the diurnal variation of neuromuscular performance in resistance-trained women. A total of 15 resistance-trained women participated in the current triple-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover experimental study. We assessed neuromuscular performance (i.e. ballistic (countermovement jump [CMJ] height and bench press throw [BPT] peak velocity), maximal strength (squat and bench press [BP] one-repetition maximum [1RM]), and strength-endurance [average velocity of the set during squat and number of repetitions-to-failure in BP]) four times at within 7 days. The participants ingested an acute dose of caffeine (3 mg/kg) or a placebo at 9-11 am and/or 17-19 pm. CMJ height (P = .016) and BP peak velocity (P = .012) were higher in the afternoon than in the morning. Compared to placebo, caffeine intake increased CMJ height by 3.1% in the morning and 1.6% in the afternoon (P = .035), but it had no effect on BPT peak velocity (P = .381). Maximal strength and strength-endurance performances were not affected by the time-of-day or caffeine intake (all P > .3). No significant interaction (time-of-day x substance) was observed in any of the above-mentioned outcomes (all P > .1). In conclusion, an acute dose of caffeine in the morning was effective to restore CMJ performance to levels found in the afternoon, while this effect was not observed neither in BPTpeak velocity nor in lower- and upper-body maximal strength and strength-endurance performance. Moreover, lower- and upper-body ballistic performance were greater in the afternoon than in the morning in resistance-trained women, while the acute intake of caffeine was only effective to increase CMJ height.HighlightsBallistic performance is probably higher in the afternoon than in the morning in resistance-trained women.An acute intake of caffeine is effective to increase countermovement jump performance.The ingestion of an acute dose of caffeine in the morning restored countermovement jump performance to levels found in the afternoon.

A nutritional intervention for moderate altitude endurance preparation: A case report.

Background: Moderate altitudes carry physiological and metabolic changes that can dampen exercise performance. Fortunately, these changes can be modulated by an optimal nutritional intervention. This case study represents the first nutritional intervention of a moderate altitude athlete. These results may help to establish well-designed nutritional guidelines for moderate altitude sports athletes. Case presentation: This case study examined the effects of a 11-week nutritional intervention on body composition, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, resting and exercise nutrient oxidation, and subjective sleep quality, in a male high-level moderate altitude athlete with a very light non-exercise activity thermogenesis. During the 11-week of nutritional intervention, 2800-3500 kcal/day, 6.8-8.9 g/kg/day of carbohydrates, 1.2-1.7 g/kg/day of protein, and 1-2.5 g/kg/day of fat were prescribed. Different specific considerations were also included, such as: iron supplementation, antioxidants increment in different phases, and ergogenic aids (i.e. creatine and beta-alanine). Our results demonstrated a decrease in adiposity and an increase in fat-free mass. In parallel, the athlete improved muscle strength, and therefore endurance adaptations after a maximal effort test (i.e. enhancement of the heart rate recovery). After the intervention, the athlete not only increased the carbohydrate oxidation during exercise and resting conditions but also improved his subjective sleep quality. Conclusions: Our results suggest that a nutritional intervention based on the endurance nutritional recommendations and adapted to the altitude physiological peculiarities can induce body re-composition, improve physiological adaptations to effort, and upgrade the substrate oxidation in a moderate altitude high-level athletes.

Caffeine increases maximal fat oxidation during a graded exercise test: is there a diurnal variation?

BACKGROUND: There is evidence that caffeine increases the maximal fat oxidation rate (MFO) and aerobic capacity, which are known to be lower in the morning than in the afternoon. This paper examines the effect of caffeine intake on the diurnal variation of MFO during a graded exercise test in active men. METHODS: Using a triple-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover experimental design, 15 active caffeine-naïve men (age: 32 ± 7 years) completed a graded exercise test four times at seven-day intervals. The subjects ingested 3 mg/kg of caffeine or a placebo at 8 am in the morning and 5 pm in the afternoon (each subject completed tests under all four conditions in a random order). A graded cycling test was performed. MFO and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) were measured by indirect calorimetry, and the intensity of exercise that elicited MFO (Fatmax) calculated. RESULTS: MFO, Fatmax and VO2max were significantly higher in the afternoon than in the morning (all P < 0.05). Compared to the placebo, caffeine increased mean MFO by 10.7% (0.28 ± 0.10 vs. 0.31 ± 0.09 g/min respectively, P < 0.001) in the morning, and by a mean 29.0% (0.31 ± 0.09 vs. 0.40 ± 0.10 g/min, P < 0.001) in the afternoon. Caffeine also increased mean Fatmax by 11.1% (36.9 ± 14.4 [placebo] vs. 41.0 ± 13.1%, P = 0.005) in the morning, and by 13.1% (42.0 ± 11.6 vs. 47.5 ± 10.8%, P = 0.008) in the afternoon. CONCLUSION: These findings confirm the previously reported diurnal variation in the whole-body fat oxidation rate during graded exercise in active caffeine-naïve men, and indicate that the acute ingestion of 3 mg/kg of caffeine increases MFO, Fatmax and VO2max independent of the time of day. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04320446 . Registered 25 March 2020 - Retrospectively registered.