Showing papers by "Ben Desbrow published in 2006"

Awareness and use of caffeine by athletes competing at the 2005 Ironman Triathlon World Championships

Abstract: This study assessed the knowledge, prevalence, and quantity of caffeine use by athletes competing at the 2005 Ironman Triathlon World Championships Caffeine-related questionnaires were self-administered to 140 (105 male and 35 female, 403 +/- 107 y) athletes representing 16 countries Fifty of these athletes further consented to immediate post-race blood samples for analysis of plasma caffeine and paraxanthine using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) Seventy-two percent of 70 athletes correctly identified caffeine as being an unrestricted substance in triathlon The majority of athletes [125 (89%)] were planning on using a caffeinated substance immediately prior to or throughout the race Cola drinks (78%), caffeinated gels (42%), coffee (usually pre-race) (37%), energy drinks (13%), and NoDoz tablets (9%) were the most popular caffeinated choices Mean +/- standard deviation (and range) post race plasma caffeine and paraxanthine levels were 223 +/- 20 micromol/L (17 to 984) and 94 +/- 6 micromol/L (18 to 289), respectively Seven athletes (14%) finished with plasma caffeine levels > or = 40 micromol/L Plasma values from elite athletes did not differ from age group competitors Despite the prevalence of its consumption and the training experience of this athletic group, over one quarter of athletes remained either confused or uninformed about caffeine's legality Levels of plasma caffeine taken immediately post race indicated that athletes typically finish with quantities of caffeine that have been shown to improve endurance performance (ie, approximately 20 micromol/L or a dose of > or = 3 mg/kg body weight)

The impact of drink flavour change on endurance cycling performance in well- trained athletes.

Abstract: Methods Eight highly trained male cyclists or triathletes [age 24.3 ± 3.9 yr, mass 74.7±6.0 kg, peak O2 uptake (VO2 peak) 65.4 ± 5.4 ml/kg/min; values are mean ± SD] who were cycling ≥200 km/wk were recruited to participate. Each subject undertook three experimental trials, with training and nutritional status being controlled before each trial. Each experimental trial consisted of 120 min of steady-state cycling at 70% VO2 peak (SS) immediately followed by a 7 kJ/kg TT. Subjects were provided with drinks prior to and throughout the 2.5 h. The 3 x 5 ml/kg sports drinks provided at 80 and 100 min of SS and during the TT consisted of either: 1) Lemon-Lime flavoured Powerade ® (control); 2) Mountain blast Powerade ® (alternate flavour sports drink; AFSD) and 3) decaffeinated, de-fizzed cola-flavoured drink (Cola). The AFSD and Cola beverage contained the same CHO concentration, CHO type (i.e. sucrose + glucose polymer), and sodium and potassium concentration as the control beverage. All beverages were provided in opaque bottles and stored under the same environmental conditions. Data from the three trials were compared by using a two-factor (treatment and time) ANOVA with repeated measures. Newman-Keuls post hoc tests were conducted when ANOVA revealed a significant difference or interaction between treatments. All testing procedures were approved by the Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee. Results The various drink flavours produced no significant treatment effects on TT time, HR, Blood Glucose or RPE throughout the exercise protocol. No bias was observed towards one preferred flavour, however, subjects reported wider variability in hedonic ratings of beverage “liking” towards the cola beverage. Table 1. Results of 7 kJ/kg TT following 120 min of steady-state cycling