Effect of pre-exercise sports drink on cardio-respiratory fitness

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of pre-exercise consumption of sports drink in enhancing cardio-respiratory fitness. A total of 50 male individuals participated in the present study with the mean age of 21.97 years (SD= ±1.42) and their mean weight (in lbs) were 138.86 (SD= ±19.48). All 50 subjects were placed in three groups as same subject design. In group A they all performed Rockport 1 mile walk test without taking any supplement and then their VO2max was measured. In group B the VO2max of all subjects were measured after one week of first session by Rockport 1 mile walk test after consuming sports drink (Gatorade) 20 minutes prior to the test. In group C again the VO2max was measured after one week of second session by Rockport 1 mile walk test after consuming placebo drink (coloured glucose solution) 20 minutes prior to the test. Statistically significant differences were found in VO2max between group A (F=61.53), group B (F=20.96) and group C (F=66.22). The finding of the present study reveals that pre-exercise ingestion of carbohydrate supplement is helpful in increasing VO2max during exercise. The effect of sports drink and simple glucose is relatively similar.

Key words:

VO2max, cardio-respiratory fitness, walk test, sports drink

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