Abstract
Caffeine-containing multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements (MIPS), marketed as improving physical performance acutely, are a particularly popular category within sports nutrition and yet finished products are rarely clinically evaluated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this randomized, controlled, crossover study was to examine the acute effects of an investigational MIPS formula when used by experienced resistance trained consumers of high-stimulant MIPS. METHODS: Eighteen (n=18) US military veteran, adult males (40.6 ± 1.7 yrs; 90.2 ± 2.2 kg; 28.7 ± 0.6 BMI; mean ± SEM) completed familiarization and 2 randomly assigned and counter-balanced lab visits, separated by 5±1 days between visits. Reaction testing (RT; 3 sets x 60-sec tests; 30-sec rest) was assessed prior to (PreTRX) and 55-min after (PostTRX) consuming 16 fl ozs H2O (positive control; CTL) or H20+MIPS (C4A; Nutrabolt; Austin, TX). PostTRX repeated cycle ergometer sprints (6x10s; 6 sets x 10-sec sprints @ 7.5% BM; 30-sec rest), and lower-body maximal strength (3x3s; 3 sets x 3 reps @ 60 deg/sec; 2-min rest; conc-conc knee ext.-flex.) and endurance (3x30s; 3 sets x 30 reps @ 180 deg/sec; 2-min rest; conc-conc knee ext.-flex.) testing on an isokinetic dynamometer were also assessed. Cardiovascular safety, adverse events, and mood presented separately. RESULTS: C4A improved RT average score and reaction time (speed) from PreTRx to PostTRx [+3.6% (p=0.0063) and -3.0% (p=0.0003), respectively] and vs CTL at PostTRx [+4.2% (p=0.0061) and -3.3% (p=0.0043), respectively]. Absolute and relative peak power for 6x10s was greatest for C4A vs CTL [+5.4% (p=0.0343) and +5.7% (p=0.0263), respectively], but sprint1-to-sprint6 fatigue index was greater for C4A than CTL [+8.73% (p=0.0009) and +8.09% (p=0.0014), respectively]. Quadriceps absolute and relative total work (volume) for 3x3s was greatest for C4A vs CTL [+8% (p=0.0412) and +7.3% (p=0.0400), respectively], but did not achieve significance for hamstrings [Abs: +6.6% (p>0.05); Rel: +6.6% (p>0.05)]. Absolute and relative total work output for both quadriceps and hamstrings for 3x30s were significantly increased by C4A vs CTL [Abs: +3.42% (p=0.0217) and +8.05% (p=0.0048); Rel: +3.49% (p=0.0297) and +8.19% (p=0.0057), respectively]. CONCLUSION: This pre-market proof of concept study suggests that C4A can acutely increase psychomotor performance, peak power output, and total work (volume) capacity when used by experienced resistance trainers that regularly consume caffeine-containing MIPS.
Recommended Citation
Lockwood, Christopher M.; Schwarz, Neil; Conejos, Rocky; Mueller, Emma K.; Schurrer, Hunter; Harstedt, Brandi; and Gooch, Arlie
(2025)
"Acute Effects of an Investigational Pre-Workout Supplement on Neuromuscular and Exercise Performance in Resistance Trained Males: A Proof-of-Concept, Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Study,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
17, Article 177.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss17/177