Exercise Performance of Fit Athletes
Conditions
Brief summary
This study investigates whether rinsing the mouth with a carbohydrate solution can improve brain oxygenation and cognitive function during high-intensity exercise. Eleven trained cyclists participated in multiple exercise sessions under different mouth rinse conditions. Brain oxygenation, perceived exertion, and cognitive performance were measured. The goal is to understand if this simple technique can support both physical and mental performance during demanding exercise.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALCarbohydrate Mouth Rinse
A 6.4% maltodextrin solution (64 g/L) was prepared using Nutricost Maltodextrin Powder. Participants performed five mouth rinses per trial, each using 25 mL of the solution for 10 seconds before expectorating. Each rinse was followed by a 30-second rest. Participants were instructed not to swallow the solution. Rinsing procedure was standardized across all sessions.
BEHAVIORALPlacebo Mouth Rinse
A placebo solution containing 0.05 g/L of non-caloric sucralose in distilled water was used to match sweetness and viscosity of the CHO-MR. Participants performed five rinses of 25 mL for 10 seconds each, spitting out the solution after each rinse. 30-second rest intervals followed each rinse. Swallowing was not allowed. Rinse frequency, volume, and duration were standardized.
BEHAVIORALMusic Listening
Participants listened to high-tempo music (120 bpm) for 15 minutes before exercise using standardized earbuds. Music was selected from a public YouTube playlist titled 120 BPM Best Dance Music for Running and Working Out. Volume was calibrated at 65 dB (50% of max device volume). Auditory conditions were standardized across all participants.
Sponsors
CHA University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
20 Years to 30 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Aged between 20 and 30 years * Engaged in regular cycling training (≥5 sessions per week, \ 4 hours per day) * No known cardiovascular, neurological, or metabolic diseases * Provided written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Current use of medication affecting cardiovascular or cognitive function * Recent musculoskeletal injuries that affect cycling ability * Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption * Refusal or inability to comply with study procedures
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Changes in prefrontal cortex oxygenation (ΔO2Hb) | Immediately post-intervention and post-time trial (within same day) |
Countries
South Korea
Outcome results
None listed