Carbohydrates for Running Performance

Overseen By Jamie A Cooper, Ph.D.

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Georgia

Must not be taking: Metabolic rate, Hydration altering

Disqualifiers: Low carbohydrate diet, Chronic diseases, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

Duration: 3 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests how different forms of carbohydrates can boost running performance during a 12.8 km run. Participants will use either a carbohydrate mouth rinse, a carbohydrate dissolvable strip, or a water rinse to determine which method is most effective. The goal is to understand how these methods impact the body's energy and performance during exercise. Endurance athletes who regularly run, cycle, or swim at least four times a week and are not on a low-carb diet may be suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers athletes an opportunity to explore innovative ways to enhance their performance.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that you stop taking medications that could alter your metabolic rate or hydration status.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Past studies have shown that rinsing the mouth with carbohydrates can improve exercise performance. Research indicates these rinses are generally safe and well-tolerated, with no reports of serious side effects, which is reassuring.

There is less direct information about the safety of carbohydrate dissolvable strips. However, since carbohydrates are a regular part of athletes' diets and are used in various forms to boost performance, they are generally considered safe. Many athletes use carbohydrate supplements without major problems.

The trial is labeled as "Not Applicable" for its phase, suggesting that the safety of these products is likely well-established. Therefore, both the mouth rinse and the dissolvable strip should be safe for participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?

Researchers are excited about the Carbohydrate Dissolvable Strip and Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse because they offer unique approaches to enhancing running performance. Unlike traditional energy gels or drinks that athletes consume, these treatments focus on delivering carbohydrates through the mouth, potentially triggering a neural response that might boost performance without needing digestion. The dissolvable strip is particularly innovative as it provides a discreet and easy-to-use method for athletes to get a carbohydrate boost during a run. Meanwhile, the mouth rinse allows for quick carbohydrate exposure without actual ingestion, which could be a game-changer for athletes who experience gastrointestinal issues with conventional carb-loading methods.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for running performance?

This trial will compare the effects of different carbohydrate treatments on running performance. Research has shown that rinsing the mouth with a carbohydrate solution, which participants in this trial may receive, can enhance exercise performance. This method facilitates brain activation of muscles, aiding endurance. One study found a 3.5% increase in endurance when participants used a carbohydrate mouth rinse after eating, and an 11.6% improvement when they hadn't eaten. This suggests it can help runners overcome fatigue and maintain speed.

Another treatment option in this trial is carbohydrate dissolvable strips, which release carbohydrates similarly to energy bars or gels, known to boost endurance. A review of several studies found that 82% reported improved endurance when consuming carbohydrates during exercise. While results can vary among individuals, both methods show promise for enhancing running performance. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Jamie A Cooper, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

University of Georgia

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for men and women aged 18-45 with a normal BMI, who are endurance-trained athletes regularly training at least 4 times a week. Women must be in the early phase of their menstrual cycle to participate. Individuals over 35 need to pass a fitness safety questionnaire.

Inclusion Criteria

I am either male or female.

I am over 35 and have passed a fitness readiness test.

I am a woman tested for the study between days 2-9 of my menstrual cycle.

Exclusion Criteria

Donation of blood in the 20 days prior to testing

I am over 35 and failed the PARQ2 fitness test.

Low carbohydrate diet (such as The Zone™ Diet or Atkins™ Diet)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Baseline Visit

Participants sign informed consent documents, undergo anthropometric measurements, and familiarize with the MR and DS and the exercise protocol

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants perform a 12.8 km running time trial on a motorized treadmill with different carbohydrate treatments

3 weeks

3 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

1 week

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Carbohydrate Dissolvable Strip
• Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse
• Water Mouth Rinse

Trial Overview

The study tests how different carbohydrate delivery methods (a dissolvable strip versus mouth rinse) affect running performance during a nearly 8-mile run. It explores if carbs can boost energy by activating taste receptors that signal the brain.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Carbohydrate Dissolvable Strip Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Subjects will be instructed to complete the 12.8 km time trial (TT) as quickly as possible. They will be able to adjust the speed on the treadmill throughout the TT but will have no knowledge of what speed they are actually running at. The researcher will monitor the progress of the TT, and the completion time will be recorded. The carbohydrate dissolvable strip treatment will be given just before the start of the TT and every 12.5% of the TT, but not after the completion of the TT.

Group II: Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse Active Control 1 Intervention

Subjects will be instructed to complete the 12.8 km time trial (TT) as quickly as possible. They will be able to adjust the speed on the treadmill throughout the TT but will have no knowledge of what speed they are actually running at. The researcher will monitor the progress of the TT, and the completion time will be recorded. The carbohydrate mouth rinse treatment will be given just before the start of the TT and every 12.5% of the TT, but not after the completion of the TT.

Group III: Water Mouth Rinse Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Subjects will be instructed to complete the 12.8 km time trial (TT) as quickly as possible. They will be able to adjust the speed on the treadmill throughout the TT but will have no knowledge of what speed they are actually running at. The researcher will monitor the progress of the TT, and the completion time will be recorded. The water mouth rinse treatment will be given just before the start of the TT and every 12.5% of the TT, but not after the completion of the TT.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Georgia

Lead Sponsor

Trials

109

Recruited

43,500+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study involving 11 collegiate female soccer players, carbohydrate mouth rinse (CMR) did not significantly enhance anaerobic performance tasks, such as vertical jumps and shuttle runs, compared to a placebo.

While there were some trends suggesting potential benefits, such as thirst sensation approaching significance, the overall results indicate that CMR does not provide an ergogenic effect for anaerobic activities lasting less than 60 minutes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Influence of carbohydrate mouth rinsing on running and jumping performance during early morning soccer scrimmaging. Přibyslavská, V., Scudamore, EM., Johnson, SL., et al.[2016]

A study involving 21 physically active young men found that using a carbohydrate mouth rinse (MRCS) significantly increased cycling performance, allowing participants to exercise longer before reaching exhaustion.

Participants using MRCS cycled for an average of 70.9 minutes until exhaustion, compared to 43.0 minutes without any rinse, demonstrating the potential of MRCS as an effective ergogenic aid for enhancing athletic performance.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Carbohydrate mouth rinse improves cycling performance carried out until the volitional exhaustion. Bavaresco Gambassi, B., Gomes de Santana Barros Leal, Y., Pinheiro Dos Anjos, ER., et al.[2019]

Mouth rinsing with a carbohydrate (CHO) solution improved cycling performance compared to rinsing with water, and performance was also better when no rinse was performed at all, suggesting that rinsing with water may hinder performance.

The study involved 10 male cyclists completing three cycling time trials, and results indicated that both CHO and no-rinse conditions led to faster completion times than rinsing with water, highlighting the potential benefits of CHO rinsing in athletic performance.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Opposition of carbohydrate in a mouth-rinse solution to the detrimental effect of mouth rinsing during cycling time trials. Gam, S., Guelfi, KJ., Fournier, PA.[2022]

Sports drinks, designed to enhance hydration and performance in athletes, contain high levels of carbohydrates, salt, and citric acid, which can negatively impact dental health.

Excessive consumption of sports drinks during exercise, especially when combined with dehydration, may increase the risk of tooth erosion and contribute to broader public health issues like obesity and diabetes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sports drinks and dental erosion. Noble, WH., Donovan, TE., Geissberger, M.[2011]

A systematic review of 13 studies involving 175 participants found that a carbohydrate mouth rinse significantly improved mean power output during cycling trials compared to a placebo, with a standardized mean difference of 0.25.

However, the carbohydrate mouth rinse did not show a significant effect on the time taken to complete the cycling trials, indicating that while it may enhance power output, it does not necessarily lead to faster completion times.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse on Cycling Time Trial Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Brietzke, C., Franco-Alvarenga, PE., Coelho-Júnior, HJ., et al.[2021]

Ingestion of a carbohydrate (CHO) solution during high-intensity exercise improved performance in moderately trained male cyclists, showing a significant increase in power output and a 4.5-5.2% faster performance time compared to placebo and mouth rinse trials.

Mouth rinsing with a CHO solution did not enhance performance or affect metabolic responses, indicating that the benefits of CHO are primarily linked to ingestion rather than rinsing.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Carbohydrate mouth rinsing has no effect on power output during cycling in a glycogen-reduced state. Ali, A., Yoo, MJ., Moss, C., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 10 recreational male runners, carbohydrate mouth rinsing did not significantly impact salivary lysozyme concentrations, running performance, or mood states during exercise.

Despite the lack of physiological benefits, all trials showed an increase in heart rate and perceived exertion, indicating that the exercise intensity was consistent across trials.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Carbohydrate Mouth Rinsing on Salivary Lysozyme, Mood States and Running Performance Among Recreational Runners. Muhamad, AS., Puad, NFRM., Kuan, G.[2022]

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 35 studies found that a maltodextrin-based carbohydrate oral rinse can improve exercise performance during moderate- to high-intensity activities, showing a small but significant effect compared to a placebo.

The analysis indicated that this method of carbohydrate intake may be beneficial for athletes looking to enhance performance without the gastrointestinal issues often associated with traditional carbohydrate ingestion during exercise.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Maltodextrin-Based Carbohydrate Oral Rinsing and Exercise Performance: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Hartley, C., Carr, A., Bowe, SJ., et al.[2022]

Mouth rinsing with a carbohydrate solution during sustained high-intensity exercise helped preserve executive function, as shown by improved reaction times on the Stroop test compared to rinsing with water.

The protective effect on executive function from the carbohydrate rinse appears to be linked to reduced levels of stress hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine, rather than changes in blood glucose levels.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mouth rinsing with a carbohydrate solution attenuates exercise-induced decline in executive function. Konishi, K., Kimura, T., Yuhaku, A., et al.[2022]

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