Acute Effects of an “Energy Drink” on Short-Term Maximal Performance, Reaction Times, Psychological and Physiological Parameters: Insights from a Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Counterbalanced Crossover Trial

Abstract

The current study examined the relationships between the effects of consuming a caffeine-containing “energy drink” upon (i) short-term maximal performance, (ii) reaction times, and (iii) psychological factors (i.e., mood state, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and affective load) and on physiological parameters (i.e., blood pressure and blood glucose). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced crossover design was implemented in this study. Nineteen male physical-education students (age: 21.2 ± 1.2 years; height: 1.76 ± 0.08 m; body-mass: 76.6 ± 12.6 kg) performed two test sessions: after drinking the “Red Bull’ beverage (RB) and after drinking a placebo (PL). One hour after ingestion of each drink, resting blood glucose and blood pressure were measured and the participants completed the Profile of Mood States questionnaire. Then, after a 5-min warm-up, simple visual reaction time and handgrip force were measured, and the 30-s Wingate test was performed. Immediately after these tests, the RPE, blood glucose, and blood pressure were measured, and the affective load was calculated. Differences between treatments were assessed using two-way repeated measures analyses of variance and paired t-tests, as appropriate. Relationships between the test variables were assessed using Bland–Altman correlations. Significant (i) improvements in peak and mean power output, handgrip force, pre- and post-exercise blood glucose, blood pressure, and vigor and (ii) reductions in reaction times, depression, confusion, fatigue, anger, anxiety, RPE, and affective load scores were observed after RB compared to PL. There were significant correlations of (i) physical performances and reaction times with (ii) RPE, affective load, and pre- and post-exercise blood glucose levels. Gains in peak and mean power were significantly correlated with reductions in fatigue, anxiety (peak power only), and anger (mean power only). The reduction of reaction times was significantly correlated with decreases in confusion and anger and with increases in vigor. Handgrip force and reaction times were significantly correlated with pre- and post-exercise blood pressures. We conclude that RB ingestion has a positive effect on physical performance and reaction times. This effect is related to ergogenic responses in both psychological (i.e., RPE, affective load, and mood state) and physiological (i.e., blood glucose and blood pressure) domains.

Acute caffeine intake increases performance in the 15‐s Wingate test during the menstrual cycle

“…Despite the initial controversy on this topic, the effectiveness of acute caffeine ingestion to improve peak and mean cycling power in the Wingate anaerobic performance test has been well established by recent investigations and meta‐analytic data . However, evidence also suggests that doses <3 mg of caffeine/kg of body mass or the use of coffee as the form caffeine administration might be less effective than the use of 3–9 mg/kg via pure anhydrous caffeine or caffeinated energy drinks . Caffeine ergogenicity for the Wingate test might persist with daily ingestion of 3 mg/kg of caffeine for 15–18 days; however, the magnitude of its ergogenic effect is higher the first day of ingestion, suggesting tolerance to this substance .…”

“…The above‐mentioned investigations have been carried out using samples of only male participants or women represented a low proportion of the study subjects, impeding a subanalysis of caffeine effects on female participants . The meta‐analysis of the caffeine ergogenic effect on Wingate performance carried out by Grgic 5 included 16 studies with 246 male participants and only 47 female participants.…”

“…5 However, evidence also suggests that doses <3 mg of caffeine/kg of body mass 6 or the use of coffee as the form caffeine administration 7 might be less effective than the use of 3-9 mg/kg via pure anhydrous caffeine or caffeinated energy drinks. 3,5,8 Caffeine ergogenicity for the Wingate test might persist with daily ingestion of 3 mg/kg of caffeine for 15-18 days; however, the magnitude of its ergogenic effect is higher the first day of ingestion, suggesting tolerance to this substance. 9Lastly, caffeine might be used to improve both upper and lower body Juan Del Coso is the PI for this research.…”

The Effects of an Energy Drink on Psychomotor Vigilance in Trained Individuals

“…Compared to placebo, caffeine intake enhanced one-repetition maximum back squat and seated medicine ball throw performance; however, they found no effects on muscular endurance [ 17 ]. Chtourou et al examined the relationships between the effects of consuming a caffeine-containing energy drink (i.e., Red Bull) upon reaction time as well as other performance parameters [ 18 ]. In an identical study design as the current investigation (i.e., randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced crossover), these investigators found that the acute consumption of the energy drink decreased reaction time, and improved short-term maximal performance (i.e., Wingate test and handgrip strength).…”

Energy Drinks and Sports Performance, Cardiovascular Risk, and Genetic Associations; Future Prospects

“…In a recent randomized study, Chtourou et al [74] found that the acute effects of consuming an energy drink included reductions in reaction times, depression, confusion, fatigue, anger, anxiety, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and affective load scores compared to placebo in 19 physical education students.…”