Single and choice reaction time during prolonged exercise in trained subjects: influence of carbohydrate availability

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of prolonged exercise at the ventilatory threshold and carbohydrate ingestion on single (SRT) and choice (CRT) reaction time. Eight well-trained triathletes completed three testing sessions within a 3-week period. Maximal oxygen uptake was determined in the first test, whereas the second and the third sessions were composed of a 100-min run (treadmill 15 min, overground 70 min, treadmill 15 min) performed at the velocity associated with the ventilatory threshold. During these submaximal tests, the subjects ingested (in random order) 8 ml x kg(-1) body weight of either a placebo (Pl) or 5.5% carbohydrate (CHO) solution prior to the first submaximal run and 2 ml x kg(-1) body weight every 15 min after that. The cognitive tasks were performed before and after exercise for CRT, and before, during each submaximal run and after exercise for SRT. Furthermore, at the end of each submaximal test subjects were asked to report their rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Results showed a significant positive effect of CHO ingestion on RPE and CRT performance at the end of exercise, while no effect of exercise duration was found in the Pl condition. After a 100-min run, during the CHO condition, CRT mean (SD) group values decreased from 688.5 (51) ms to 654 (63) ms, while during the Pl condition, RPE mean group values increased from 11 (2) to 16 (1.02) and CRT mean values remained stable [688 (104) ms vs 676 (73.4) ms, P > 0.05]. No similar effect was observed for SRT. These results suggest that CHO-electrolyte ingestion during a 100-min run results in an improvement in the complex cognitive performance measured at the end of that run.

Cognitive Performance Enhancement Induced by Caffeine, Carbohydrate and Guarana Mouth Rinsing during Submaximal Exercise

“…The effects of CHO ingestion on cognitive performance have not been thoroughly investigated but some studies report a positive effect on cognition. For example, a positive effect of CHO ingestion has been observed on RT after exercise [70,71]. Moreover, Lieberman and colleagues [72] found an improvement in vigilance and mood during sustained physical activity with CHO ingestion.…”

Effect of protein and carbohydrate solutions on running performance and cognitive function in female recreational runners

“…Previous research examining the role of CES feedings in maintaining cognition during exercise has led to mixed results. Two studies [16,18] and our laboratory [17] have evaluated the effects of CES during prolonged running or team sport exercise and found an improved cognitive performance in CES trial compared with a PLA. Other studies, however, have indicated that there is no benefit of CES to cognitive performance during running and walking exercise compared with the PLA [27, 28], and our results were consistent with these research.…”

“…There is also mounting evidence that CHO feedings can ameliorate the cognitive dysfunction that occurs following exercise [16–18]. The term “cognitive function” describes the performance of objective tasks that require conscious mental effort [19].…”

The effect of exercise intensity on cognitive performance during short duration treadmill running

“…In their study, there was no significant difference in the reaction time (RT) across exercise intensities leading the authors to conclude that cognitive control was robust and did not appear to be influenced by the intensity of exercise. There is also debate as to the duration of exercise needed to elicit any change in cognitive performance with studies reporting changes after as little as 6 min of exercise (McMorris et al, 2008) to 100 min of exercise (Collardeau et al, 2001). There are a number of sports and exercise situations which require high levels of exertion, are aerobically based, but of relatively short duration which facilitate cognitive performance.…”