THE ACUTE EFFECTS OF A MULTI-INGREDIENT PRE-WORKOUT SUPPLEMENT ON EXERCISE PERFORMANCE

Patrick S. HartyƗ1, Jacob L. EricksonƗ2, Michael CameronƗ2, Clayton Camicǂ2, Scott Dobersteinǂ2, Joel Luedkeǂ2, & Andrew R. Jagimǂ1 1Lindenwood University, St. Charles, Missouri; 2University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, La Crosse, Wisconsin The use of dietary supplements to enhance exercise performance has long been a popular strategy for active individuals. A newer category of dietary supplements referred to as multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements (MIPS) has gained increased attention among active individuals. While several studies support the use of MIPS to increase exercise performance in males, limited data exist regarding effectiveness in female populations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of ingesting a MIPS on exercise responses and subjective measures of energy, focus, and fatigue in recreationally active females. METHODS: Fifteen recreationally-active females (Mean ± SD, 21.5 ± 1.7 yrs, 165.3 ± 5.3 cm, 61.6 ± 5.1 kg) participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study. Subjects completed baseline and two experimental testing sessions in a cross-over design. After height and weight were assessed, subjects completed a 5-repetition maximum (5RM) test for the bench press (BP) and back squat (BS) exercises during baseline testing. During the experimental testing sessions, participants were randomly assigned to ingest either 1 serving of a MIPS or placebo and performed a repetition to failure test for both BS and BP at 85% 5RM and were later assessed for differences in anaerobic power using a counter-movement vertical jump test and a sprint test on a force-treadmill. Subjective measurements of energy, focus, and fatigue were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Paired samples t-tests were used to assess differences in muscular endurance and anaerobic capacity between each condition. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess differences in Likert scale scores between treatment conditions. RESULTS: A significant main effect for condition was observed for BP repetitions (p=0.037) and total work during the treadmill sprint (p=0.039) following ingestion of the MIPS. A significant condition x time interaction for focus was observed with the supplement treatment exhibiting improved focus at 80-minutes post ingestion (p=0.046). CONCLUSION: It appears that acute MIPS consumption improves upper body muscular endurance and anaerobic capacity while improving subjective feelings of focus following high-intensity exercise in recreationally active females. Funding for this project was provided by the International Society of Sports Nutrition and MusclePharmTM aspart of an unrestricted education grant