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DETERMINING IF GATORADE PRIME OR SUGAR FREE REDBULL HAS AN EFFECT ON HUMAN PERFORMANCE

Abstract

J.D. Keller, & C.L. Robinson.

Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, ID

The effects of caffeine and sugar supplementation on the performance of an athlete have been widely studied in order to find an advantage in competitions. PURPOSE: To examine memory performance, reaction time, and anaerobic performance and how each of these areas is affected by two sport supplements; Gatorade Prime (GP) and Sugar Free Red Bull (RB). METHODS: We took eight anaerobic college athletes (19-23 yr) and tested their performance after consuming GP, RB, and Crystal Light (CL) (constant variable). The subjects participated in three separate trials; one trial for each drink. Strict 48 hour pre-trial guidelines were given to the athletes in order to receive the most accurate results. The participants received each drink in a random order and the tests were conducted at the same time each day. The athletes were given one of the supplemental drinks and then tested 30 minutes after consumption. The participants completed a 60 second memory and regurgitation exercise, a reaction test using a buzzer and paddle, and a WINGATE test to observe anaerobic performance. The WINGATE consisted of pedaling at max capacity with a calculated amount of resistance (weight in kg x 0.08) for 30 seconds, then the removal of resistance and pedaling for 20 seconds before resistance is added again for another 30 seconds of max capacity pedaling. This was repeated three more times to complete the WINGATE. RESULTS: Both GP and RB were compared to CL in order to determine effects on performance. Memory performance was found to increase 16.9% after consumption of RB, and 3.1% for GP. Reaction times were decreased by .03s after RB consumption, but GP had no effect on reaction time. The WINGATE test resulted in both RB and CL showing a 65.8% decrease in anaerobic power, where GP showed a 41.8% decrease in anaerobic performance. CONCLUSION: The data shows that GP has a positive effect on anaerobic performance, but a null effect on reaction time and insignificant effect on cognitive performance. It also shows that RB has a significant effect on both reaction time and cognitive performance, but no effect on anaerobic performance.

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