Neither a Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplement nor Caffeine Were Effective at Improving Markers of Blood Flow or Upper-Body Resistance Exercise Performance

Few studies have measured the effects of multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements on blood flow or heart rate variability or have compared a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement to a matched single ingredient. This study examined the effects of a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement, an equivalent amount of caffeine, and placebo on markers of resistance training performance, blood flow, blood pressure, and heart rate variability. The study utilized a randomized, placebo-controlled, repeated-measures, crossover design. Twelve resistance-trained males (22.75 ± 4.51 yrs; 183.4 ± 7.37 cm; 91.05 ± 17.77 kg) completed the study. Resistance exercise performance was defined as total work performed during elbow flexion and extension on an isokinetic dynamometer. Blood flow was calculated using time-averaged mean velocity and blood vessel diameter of the right brachial artery, which were measured via Doppler ultrasound. Heart rate was recorded using an electrocardiogram. Neither a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement nor caffeine alone improved upper-body resistance exercise performance or markers of blood flow relative to placebo. No differences in heart rate variability were observed across treatments. A multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement was not effective at improving performance or blood flow and did not alter autonomic nervous system function.

Blake, Michael S.; Johnson, Nathaniel R.; Trautman, Kara A.; Grier, James W.; Stastny, Sherri; and Hackney, Kyle (2020) “Neither a Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplement nor Caffeine Were Effective at Improving Markers of Blood Flow or Upper-Body Resistance Exercise Performance,” International Journal of Exercise Science: Vol. 13 : Iss. 2, Pages 167 – 182.

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