the effects of gatorade prime on vo2max_blood glucose_gastrointestinal distress_final

Running head: The effects of gatorade prime1

The effects of Gatorade Prime on VO2max, blood glucose, and gastrointestinal distress

Jonathan M. Hanson

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

The effects of gatorade prime 2

Abstract

Carbohydrates are seen as an option for enhancing exercise performance. There has been little

research performed on individual and specific sources of carbohydrates. This study is designed to

test the effects of Gatorade Prime, a carbohydrate pre exercise supplement, on VO2max, blood

glucose, and look for gastrointestinal distress symptoms. Participants will be split into two

groups and will participate in two Bruce treadmill test. The second Bruce treadmill test will see

one of the groups will receive Gatorade Prime and the other a placebo. The hypothesis is the

group receiving Gatorade prime will see a significant difference in VO2max and blood lactate. It

is hypothesized that there will be no gastrointestinal distress symptoms during the test.

Keywords: GATORADE PRIME, VO2MAX, BLOOD GLUCOSE,

GASTROINTESTINAL DISTRESS, RUNNING, CARBOHYDRATE, PERFORMANCE


The effects of Gatorade Prime on VO2max, blood glucose, and gastrointestinal distress

With the recent rise in focus on fitness, many individuals are looking for ways in which

to enhance their exercise performance. One of the ways that is well known, is continually being

researched, and could potentially have positive effects on measures of exercise is carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are easily found in the modern diet and supplements containing carbohydrates are

readily available. Research has focused on many different aspects of carbohydrate function in

exercise. It is theorized that carbohydrates affect performance by sparing glycogen that is

required by muscles. With supplementation of carbohydrates, the muscles appear to spare some

glycogen, resulting in better performance and less fatigue. This can be explained by

carbohydrates being transformed into glucose which is available in the blood for use.

The Benefits of Carbohydrates

Sherman, Peden, and Wright (1991) conducted one of the first studies to examine the

effect of carbohydrates on exercise. The purpose of the research was to determine if ingestion of

a carbohydrate supplement would improve cycling time when compared to a placebo. There

were two independent variables which were the amount and type of supplement, and the

dependent variable was cycling performance.

The study used nine college aged cyclists who were considered highly trained. This was

measured by the participant’s ability to cycle continuously for 90 minutes at 70% VO2max

(Sherman, Peden, & Wright, 1991). The participants performed a cycle VO2max test and body

composition taken through underwater weighing acquired seven days before the first trial.

Participants’ diet and exercise were monitored two days leading up to the testing. Each

participant was prescribed a diet and exercise plan and was asked not to ingest alcohol or

caffeinated beverages for two days. Participants were placed into three groups unknown to both


the participants and researchers, Group P received a placebo, Group LC received a 1.1 g

carbohydrate/kg body mass carbohydrate solution, and Group HC received a 2.2 g

carbohydrate/kg body mass carbohydrate solution.

Each participant performed a familiarization trial followed by four different trials after

fasting for 10 hours with at least 7 to 10 days between each trial. Sixty minutes before the testing

procedure, participants were given the solution prescribed and had blood samples taken every 15

minutes after the feeding. Participants performed the test by cycling for 90 minutes at a

continuous rate of 70% VO2max. After the 90 minutes, participants completed a time trial equal to

the number of revolutions of cycling for 45 minutes at 70% VO2max. The participants performed

the time trial as fast as possible and times were recorded. During exercise participants ingested

less than or equal to 150 mL every 15 minutes, and had oxygen consumption, respiratory

exchange ratio or RER, heart rate, and blood samples taken every 15 minutes.

The data were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance and planned-

comparison procedure with p < 0.05. (Sherman, Peden, & Wright, 1991) Significant mean

differences were calculated using Turkey’s post hoc test. Results showed that glucose

concentrations were significantly higher for the groups LC and HC as opposed to Group P at 15,

30, and 45 minutes, but were not different at 60 minutes after feeding. Groups LC and P were

significantly lower than HC in blood glucose at 60, 75, and 90 minutes into exercise. There no

significant difference in blood lactate during the trial. Heart rates for LC and P were significantly

lower than HC. Groups HC and LC saw a significant increase in RER compared to P. The time

for completing the time trial was fastest in HC and LC. These results showed that there was a

significant change in exercise performance based on carbohydrate consumption.


Another study by Smith, Rhodes, and Langill (2012) tested the effects of carbohydrate

consumption on shorter more intense exercise than previous research. Also included in the

purpose of this study was to research the amount of time between feeding and the bout of

exercise to determine if it affected exercise factors. The method of testing using swimming had

also not been researched. This uses large muscle groups in the body when compared to cycling or

running.

There was no hypothesis given because of the lack of knowledge about the effects of

carbohydrate supplementation on swimmers for shorter periods of time. The independent

variable was the carbohydrate feeding and a second independent variable was the feeding time

and the dependent variable was the time required to swim 4000 meters and the second dependent

variable was the effect on performance.

The participants were 10 trained male triathletes aged 18-35 years. Because of the

swimming factor, all participants were required to have a tethered swim VO2max of 45

ml*kg*min, be able to swim 4000 meters in 80 minutes, and have no history of diabetes. Testing

was performed three days, with test days separated by five to seven days. Age, height, weight,

body fat percentage, and VO2max via a tethered swim were collected. Prior to the testing,

participants were issued guidelines to follow for diet and exercise. Participants fasted for 12

hours prior to the testing, and dietary logs for the 48 hours prior to the test were collected.

On the day of the test, participants reported to the laboratory 45 minutes prior to the test

to weigh in and test blood glucose levels. Two different carbohydrate feeding times were in place

at 35 minutes and five minutes before testing, with 40 grams of carbohydrate per solution. For

the test, participants swam 4000 meters in the fastest time capable. Blood samples were taken

directly after the completion, 5 minutes after completion, and 10 minutes after completion.


Data were analyzed using ANOVA to measure differences in total time, split time, post

exercise blood glucose levels, and average heart rate. The alpha level was set at 0.05 for all data

collected. No significant differences were found between the two groups in total times, split

times, or heart rate. A difference was noted in the beginning blood glucose level but the

difference was not significant by the end of the test period.

The research conducted showed that, although the amounts were not significantly

different, 8 of the 10 participants who received the carbohydrate solution improved on the total

time, split time, and suggested onset of fatigue. The 35 minute and 5 minute feeding times did

not vary significantly. Both did vary from the placebo although it was not significant. The results

from this study suggest that although not significant, the times were improved for the swimmers

who received the carbohydrate solution.

These studies showed that there is a possible beneficial effect on exercise factors from

carbohydrates, especially endurance exercise factors. These studies also leave room for other

possible factors. These include different dosing options and possible side effects.

Gastrointestinal Distress Side Effects

Reports from endurance athletes who use carbohydrate supplements before endurance

activities show that gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort symptoms can appear after supplementation.

These GI symptoms include bloating, flatulence, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, side

ache, intestinal cramps, and diarrhea. In their study, Xiaocai et. al, (2004) aimed to determine the

effects of two different carbohydrate supplements with differing percent of carbohydrates per

solution on GI discomfort during intermittent, high intensity exercise. The exercise studied was

to imitate stop and go sports. Research in this area is minimal, therefore no hypothesis was


stated. The independent variable was carbohydrate supplementation and the dependent variable

was GI discomfort symptoms.

The study was conducted with 36 participants (25 males and 11 females). The

participants were classified as high school athletes, competitive runners, cyclist, and triathletes.

The participants were familiarized with the size of the carbohydrate dose by being supplemented

with water in the same dose as during the trial to prepare participants to drink the dose. The two

different solutions consisted of a Gatorade with 6% carbohydrate concentration and Powerade

with 8% carbohydrate concentration sports drinks. Participants were fed a consistently similar

meal during the day and fasted two to three hours before testing.

The test consisted of four quarters. Each quarter contained three exercise stations lasting

four minutes individually, equaling 12 minutes per quarter and 48 minutes to complete the test. A

three minute rest was given after each quarter during which participants completed a

questionnaire and consumed the assigned carbohydrate solution. GI discomfort was determined

from the questionnaire, which recorded burping, throat burn, heartburn, stomach bloating,

sloshing, stomach upset, and nausea (Xiaocai, et al., 2004). Participants marked on a line ranging

from “none” to “severe” for each symptom. These notations were translated to a 100 point scale

after the test was complete. The results were analyzed using a 2-way ANOVA with a significance

level of p < 0.05. Duncan post hoc analyses were used to specifically determine individual

significant variables found in the ANOVA.

Results showed that GI symptom rates increased slightly throughout the period of

exercise. The increase was significantly greater for the 8% carbohydrate solution group than the

6% group after the third quarter and at the completion of the test. Specifically, stomach upset

amounts were significant in the 8% carbohydrate solution group. Overall, the 8% carbohydrate


solution had a significantly higher amount of stomach upset and side ache than the 6% group.

The research concluded that high carbohydrate concentrations can cause higher levels of GI

discomfort symptoms. Researchers speculated that this is caused by the mechanical jarring of the

solution in the GI system, the effort by the body to process the carbohydrate solution, or the other

substances inside the fluid.

This research found that higher concentrated carbohydrate solutions tend to produce more

GI discomfort than lower concentrated carbohydrate solutions. This can cause problems for those

looking to exercise after supplementation especially in endurance. Gastrointestinal side effects

could cause those using the substance to not feel like performing or not performing as well, or

not taking the supplement.

Forms of Carbohydrate Supplements

With research supporting the use of carbohydrate supplementation to enhance aerobic

performance, a new research question regarding the form of carbohydrate supplementation

opened up. In 2008 Campbell, Prince, Braun, Applegate, & Casazza compared the different

forms that carbohydrate supplements are produced in, including sports drink, gel pack, and sport

bean, with the control group of water. Campbell et. al examined whether there form affected

endurance cycling of 80 minutes followed by a 10 kilometer time trial. Because this research was

unique no hypothesis was given. The independent variable was the type of supplement given and

the dependent variable was the performance on the cycle endurance test.

Participants in the research were (8 female and 8 male) cyclists and triathletes who had

been competing for at least two years or more and who trained more than five hours in a week.

The participants were also required to be nonsmokers who were considered healthy based on a

health questionnaire and physical exam. The participants were told to remain hydrated and


perform no more than light exercise each day. The diet and training programs were not

controlled, but diet was monitored for 12 hours before the test.

Participants were tested on their personal bicycles mounted on training computers one

week before the research testing. Participants warmed up for 15 minutes and then performed a

graded VO2max exercise test to exhaustion. Heart rate and perceived exhaustion measures were

taken every three minutes. On the day of testing, participants warmed up for 10 minutes and then

cycled for 80 minutes at 75% of the previously recorded VO2max. Every 20 minutes heart rate,

perceived exhaustion measures, and respiratory-exchange ratio were collected. After the

completion of the 80 minute exercise period, participants were directed to perform a 10

kilometer time trial as quickly as possible. Heart rate, perceived exhaustion measures, VO2max,

and respiratory-exchange ratio were collected immediately after completing the time trial.

The results of the test were analyzed with a 2 way ANOVA with Fisher’s post hoc

analysis to determine significant difference with p <0.05. Results showed that there was a

significant difference between the carbohydrate forms and the water control group in the 80

minute exercise period. Heart rate was higher when supplemented with sports beans than with

sports drinks in the 80 minute exercise period. In the 10 kilometer time trial, there was a

significant difference in VO2max output in the carbohydrate supplements versus the water control

group. The time to complete the 10 kilometer time trial was significantly lower with all forms of

carbohydrate supplementation than with the water control group.

This research shows that there is no significant difference between sports drink, gel, and

sport beans carbohydrate supplements. Carbohydrate supplementation in all forms outperformed

the water control group despite what form was ingested. This shows that the form of

carbohydrate ingestion is not a determining factor on the effect that carbohydrate supplements


have. More factors could have effects on carbohydrate supplementation such as different dosing

options.

Dosing Options

Amount of Dose

One of the factors that can change the effects of carbohydrate ingestion is the dosage

amount. Smith et al. (2013) examined the effects of carbohydrate dosing from 0 to 120 g*h-1. The

purpose of the study was to determine the most beneficial amount of carbohydrate

supplementation. The hypothesis was that there would be a curvilinear relationship between the

amounts of carbohydrate supplemented. Benefits would progressively improve and peak in the

range of 60 to 90 g*h-1 and then decline after that amount was surpassed. The independent

variable was the dose and the dependent variable was the performance on the cycle test.

Participants were 51 recreationally trained, healthy male cyclists or triathletes. The

participants were distributed between four laboratories with 12 to 15 participants at each

laboratory. Participants were taken through preliminary testing to determine their VO2max during

an incremental cycling test. Seven days later the participants went through a blood lactate

incremental cycling test. The two measures were correlated to determine future workout

intensities for each participant. The participants then participated in a familiarization session

which consisted of a simulated 20 kilometer time trial. The second familiarization session

consisted of a two hour ride at 95% onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) while drinking

at their convenience followed by a 20 kilometer time trial. The third familiarization session was a

two hour ride at 95% OBLA while drinking 250 mL of water every 15 minutes followed by a

time trial. Data from the familiarization trials were not included in any results or later test.


The experimental trial involved the participants completing four randomized trials with

seven days between each trial. Participants fasted for 10 hours overnight and arrived to the

laboratory in the morning. Participants had refrained from exercise 24 hours preceding the trial

and voided their bodies and were weighed before the trial started. Participants warmed up for 10

minutes at 100 watts and then proceeded to cycle for two hours at 95% OBLA. Participants were

given 2000 mL of different carbohydrate solution ranging from 0 to 12% during each two hour

ride. The solutions were administered in 250 mL at every 15 minute interval. Both the

participants and researchers were unaware of the dose. All solutions were matched as closely as

possibly to the same color, taste, and nutritional breakdown for consistency. At the completion of

the two hour ride, participants were given two minutes to rest and then were asked to perform a

20 kilometer time trial as quickly as possible. No fluids were ingested during the time trial

period.

The data were analyzed with a Linear Mixed Model procedure with p < 0.05. A

significant difference was shown in the mixed model between dosages. Ingestion of a

carbohydrate solution did increase endurance in all solutions over the placebo 0% carbohydrate

solution. The data showed a curvilinear response that peaked at 78% g*h-1. Performance

increased up to this level and diminished returns were seen after this level.

This research shows the possible optimal amount of carbohydrate to have the most effect

during supplementation. The dosing amount for Gatorade Prime is larger than this dosing

amount. It will be interesting to see if this amount affects the supplementation in anyway. Other

factors other than dosing amounts can also affect supplementation such as dosing time.


Dosing Time

Research on carbohydrate ingestion before exercise has shown that it can affect

endurance exercise and that dosing matters. Previous research has been primarily focused on the

response to the carbohydrate supplementation 30-60 minutes before exercise used cycling test

rather than a running test. Tokmakidis and Karamanolis (2008) conducted research using running

test to determine the effects on exercise metabolism and running endurance capacity from the

ingestion of glucose in carbohydrate form 15 minutes before aerobic exercise. The hypothesis

was that there would be a difference between a carbohydrate supplemented group and a placebo

supplemented group in exercise endurance. The independent variable was the supplement and the

dependent variables were blood glucose, carbohydrate oxidation, fat oxidation, and endurance.

The study was conducted with 11 recreational runners. Of these runners, 10 were males

and 1 was female. Because of the relation to glucose and insulin, all participants had to

participate and have a normal response to the oral glucose tolerance test. All participants were

tested in VO2max on a treadmill, body mass index, height, and percent body fat. A 45 min

submaximal test was given to familiarize participants with the treadmill and determine the speed

and intensity of the treadmill. The experimental trials were regulated and participants refrained

from using tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine 24 hours prior to the test. Participants refrained from

physical activity 48 hours prior to the test. Participants were asked to record the food intake and

activity for the 48 hour period before the test.

The test began with each participant arriving at the laboratory early in the morning after

fasting overnight. A resting air sample and blood sample was taken. Each participant was

instructed to drink a solution and rest for 15 min and another air sample and blood sample were

taken. Participants started the test at 60% VO2max for 5 min, 70% VO2max for 45 minutes, and 80%


VO2max until reaching exhaustion. Air samples and blood samples were taken every 15 minutes

until exhaustion, and at the point of exhaustion. Participants were encouraged to run until

exhaustion, which was defined as the point at which participants were not able to maintain

running speed.

Time dependent variables were tested using Tukey’s post-hoc test. Time to exhaustion

was evaluated by using non-parametric paired t tests with p < 0.05. Results showed that

endurance was higher in the group that received the carbohydrate solution. The amount of

oxygen used, mean respiratory exchange ratio, and heart rate showed no difference between the

two groups. Serum glucose levels were higher in the carbohydrate group until 30 minutes into

the test. From 30 minutes to exhaustion there was no difference in the serum glucose levels

between trials. The study determined there were positive effects of carbohydrate ingestion

shortly before exercise on exercise endurance. Results were inconclusive on the other factors

studied.

Unlike other research, the test was based on exercise endurance to exhaustion. Using

running as the test versus using cycling allowed for a more distinct change in the blood glucose

and plasma insulin levels. The possible difference between times to exhaustion could be

explained by the availability of glucose to the muscles resulting in longer run times. The study

showed that ingestion 15 minutes before exercise allowed the glucose levels to remain at a high

level throughout exercise and glucose levels did not have time to be acted on fully by insulin.

Gatorade as a Carbohydrate Pre-Exercise Supplement

Research has revealed information on forms of carbohydrate ingestion, possible timing

models, and the effects that the dosage amount can have. One of the most common forms of

carbohydrate supplementation is in a fluid form. One of the possible options in this form is sports


drinks. These are drinks that contain ingredients that help in fluid balance and also contain

carbohydrates in specific dosages. Kumar and Agrahari (2012) investigated how Gatorade, one

available sports drink affects endurance. The independent variable supplementation and the

dependent variable was VO2max. The hypothesis was not stated by researchers because of the

unknown effects of Gatorade on VO2max.

The participants in this study were 50 males between the ages of 18 and 25 years who

were considered young, healthy, and moderately active. The participants were placed in three

groups labeled group A, group B, and group C. To calculate the VO2max, the Rockport 1 mile field

test was used. Participants performed the test one at a time. Group A completed the Rockport 1

mile walk test, and one week later were asked to return and complete the test a second time.

Group B performed the Rockport 1 mile walk test, and one week later were asked to return and

complete the test a second time after supplementing with Gatorade sports drink 20 minutes

before the test. Group C completed the Rockport 1 mile walk test, and one week later were asked

to return and complete the test a second time after supplementing with a flavored colored glucose

placebo.

The results were analyzed using a one way ANOVA and Post Hoc Scheffe tests to

determine differences in the groups. The analysis was done with p set at <0.001. Significant

differences were reported in VO2max between the three groups. Group A and group B had a

significant difference, suggesting that consumption of Gatorade Sports drink 20 minutes before

exercise could increase endurance via VO2max compared to ingesting nothing at all. Group A and

group C also were significantly different, suggesting that glucose can help enhance endurance

via VO2max. Group B and group C were not significantly different, which could suggest that any

form of carbohydrate can help enhance endurance via VO2max.


Another study also looked at Gatorade as a possible option for pre-exercise

carbohydrates. Singh, Chaudhary, and Sandhu (2011) focused on the effects of Gatorade on

exercise factors such as VO2max, blood lactate, and blood glucose. The independent variable in the

study was supplementation, and the dependent variables were blood lactate, recovery heart rate,

blood glucose, and exercise performance.

The participants in this study were 20 healthy untrained males without history of disease

and any limitation to exercising. The participants were selected based on their physical fitness

with a required VO2max greater than or equal to 40 mL*kg*min-1 recorded on the Queen’s College

Step test. Participants were familiarized with the procedures and provided informed consent to

participate. Participant were required to maintain their normal diet during the test. Three days

prior to the test, each participant recorded and logged their diet. The participants were divided

into Group A and Group B by the researchers.

Each participant performed the test on two separate occasions. Participants reported to

the laboratory at the same time of day for both test after fasting for 12 hours prior to the test.

Each participant was given a supplement solution, Group A was given the placebo drink and

Group B was given the Gatorade solution. The groups consumed the 500mL of solution 20

minute prior to the exercise test. Heart rate, blood pressure, blood lactate, and blood glucose

were all collected before the exercise protocol. The participants performed the exercise under the

Bruce Protocol with heart rate recorded at one, two, three, five, and eight minutes during

exercise. Passive recovery was performed after the test while blood samples were taken.

The data were analyzed using a paired t test and one way ANOVA with statistical

significance set at p<0.05. The results showed that Group B which received Gatorade showed a

significant difference from Group A in blood lactate and peak heart rate which showed an


improvement in endurance. Recovery heart rate showed significant differences with Group A had

higher heart rates in minutes one and two, and lower heart rates in three, five, and eight minutes

into recovery showed that there was endurance capability.

The results show that ingestion of Gatorade sports drink can reduce fatigue and improve

performance prior to exercise. The Gatorade used in this study is the sports drink version.

Different and specific formulas of carbohydrate solutions could affect the outcomes of the

observed positive effects.

Purpose and Hypothesis

The problem with previous research is that it has not studied the effects specifically of

Gatorade Prime on endurance. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of Gatorade

Prime, a pre-exercise carbohydrate supplement, on several endurance factors. The factors include

VO2max and blood glucose. This study will also test for gastrointestinal distress after

supplementation. I propose this study will find significant improvement in VO2max and blood

glucose based on previous research. I propose that there will be no significant difference in

gastrointestinal distress symptoms between Gatorade Prime and a placebo.

Methods

Participants

The participants in this study will be male individuals between the ages of 18 and 30

years. The participants will be recreational runners who are moderately trained, defined as

having a VO2max within the ranges of 44-56 ml*O2*kg*min (Nieman, 2001). Participants must be

capable of running two miles, not be smokers, not be diabetic, not have a previous history of

gastrointestinal distress symptoms, be considered eligible by the PAR-Q, and not have any


disqualifications according to the American College of Sports Medicine for participating in a

VO2max test.

Instruments

Participants will complete a demographic questionnaire which will gather information

related to age, height, weight, fitness level, body mass index, family history, and risk factors.

Participants will have their glucose levels obtained before, during, and after the exercise protocol

tested by a finger prick. Participants will also be asked during the experiment if they have

gastrointestinal discomfort, defined as stomach ache, burps, gas, nausea, cramps, and any other

uncomfortable feelings. The treadmill used for the testing will be the TMX425 Trackmaster (Full

Vision Inc., Newton, KS, USA). The apparatus for retrieving respiratory information will be the

Parvo Medics’ TrueOne 2400 (Parvo Medics, Sandy, UT, USA).

Procedures

Institutional approval will be granted before the study begins. The risk and benefits of the

study and the ability to exit the study at any point will be clearly explained to all possible

participants. All who are willing to participate will sign a waiver. The questionnaire and

requirements will be evaluated for each participant. If accepted into the study, a preliminary

VO2max test will be given to allow the participants to familiarize themselves with the treadmill

and testing equipment as well as the procedures. After the preliminary VO2max test there will be

two VO2max tests separated by seven days. Participants will not be informed of their VO2max until

the end of the trial to prevent data bias. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups

after the familiarization test. Group G will receive Gatorade Prime and Group P will received

water that will be colored.


The Bruce VO2max protocol will be used to test participants’ VO2max levels. The Bruce

treadmill test (Bruce, Kusumi, & Hosmer, 1973) is a graded VO2max test which starts at a 10%

graded at 1.7 miles per hour (mph). Every three minutes the grade increases by 2% and the speed

increases gradually at 2.5 mph, 3.4 mph, 4.2 mph, 5.0 mph, and 5.5 mph. The Bruce treadmill

test is a common VO2max test and has a large amount of comparative data (Nieman, 2001).

Participants will be asked about their gastrointestinal situation. This will be done utilizing

a modified feeling scale ranging from 2 to -2 with two representing no gastrointestinal

discomfort, zero representing neutral, and -2 representing large amounts of gastrointestinal

discomfort. Participants will respond by pointing to the number on the scale.

Leading up to the test day, participants will be asked to continue in their normal training

habits. Participants will be given a log and asked to record their diet from three days before to

the day of testing. Participants will be asked to refrain from ingestion of alcohol, caffeine, and

any tobacco products. Participants will be asked to arrive at the Human Performance Lab at the

scheduled time on the day of testing. The participant’s fasting blood glucose level will be taken

and participants will respond to the initial gastrointestinal discomfort questionnaire. The first test

will be to obtain the base VO2max for each participant. The participant will have a 30 minute

waiting period before the VO2max test starts. At 15 minutes before the test, the groups will take

118 mL of a placebo solution of flavored colored water. Participants will finish the 15 minute

waiting period after taking the placebo. A blood glucose reading and response to the

gastrointestinal discomfort questionnaire will be obtained at the end of the 30 minute waiting

period and participants will perform the VO2max test.

Seven day later the participants will return to the lab and a fasting blood glucose level

and a response to the gastrointestinal discomfort questionnaire will be obtained. There will be a


30 minute waiting period before the VO2max test start. At 15 minutes before the test, the groups

will take the prescribed 118 mL with Group G taking Gatorade Prime and Group P taking the

placebo colored flavored water. The participants will finish the 15 minute waiting period for the

VO2max. A blood glucose reading and response to the gastrointestinal discomfort questionnaire

will be taken at the end of the 30 minute waiting period and participants will perform the VO2max

test. Participants will have a chance to warm up before each test.

Participants will continue the VO2max test until exhaustion. At the end of the participants

will be monitored to attempt to prevent false data from premature conclusion of the VO2max test

before participants are at the true VO2max. When the participant has reached exhaustion and the

test is concluded blood glucose levels and a response to the gastrointestinal discomfort

questionnaire will be obtained. Participants VO2max scores for both test will be disclosed to the

participants at the end of the testing period. Participants blood glucose readings and

gastrointestinal discomfort questionnaire from only the second VO2max test will be analyzed.

Experimental Design

Each of the participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups where the

researcher and the participants are blinded to the groups. The test will be a repeated measures

test. After being divided into two groups, each group will perform that initial test. After a period

of time, the groups with the same participants will complete the test again. The opportunity for

participants to do better on the second test has been controlled by utilizing a familiarization test

with the equipment and procedures.

Data Analysis

Raw data will be entered into SPSS. Data for the VO2max will be analyzed using a

dependent t-test and Repeated Measures ANOVA. To determine if there is a significant


difference in VO2max based on supplement, a dependent t-test will be conducted. To determine if

there are significant differences in blood glucose and GI distress based on supplement or time, a

2 (supplement) x 3 (time) RMANOVA will be conducted. If necessary, a post hoc Scheffe test

will be conducted to determine where significant differences exist.

In a recent study, (Tokmakidis & Karamanolis, 2008) found participants who consumed a

carbohydrate supplement 15 minutes before exercise increased their endurance running time. The

effect size was calculated at 16 participant. Using the power calculator provided online by Brant

(http://www.stat.ubc.ca/~rollin/stats/ssize/n2.html), the effect size, alpha (set at p = .05 as

default), and power (set at .80 by default) were entered and a one-tailed test was specified.

Results indicated that participants would be necessary to find a significant difference. I have

chosen to use 24 participants in this study in case of drop out from the difficultly of the VO2max

Bruce treadmill test.

Conclusion

This research has looked at several factors that affect the pre exercise supplementation of

carbohydrates. It has been shown that carbohydrates can have an effect on exercise. It has also

been shown that different dosages and supplement timing models can have effects on the

supplementation. Different forms of carbohydrate supplements do not appear to have effects on

the supplementation of carbohydrates. With many possible forms matching this criteria, research

can focus on individual supplements. Gatorade in sports drink has shown the ability to have

effects on exercise. The hope of this study is to determine specifically how a separate product,

Gatorade Prime, affects VO2max, blood glucose, while testing for possible gastrointestinal distress

symptoms that can appear with carbohydrate supplementation. This will be done through an

experimental trial that will test these outcomes. This study will allow for more research to be

http://www.stat.ubc.ca/~rollin/stats/ssize/n2.html


conducted on individual products to create a comparison between supplements to allow

consumers the ability to determine which supplements are most beneficial for consumption pre

exercise, to see effects.


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Kumar, N., & Agrahari, R. (2012). Effect of pre-exercise sports drink on cardio-respiratory

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Nieman, D. C. (2001). Exercise testing and prescription: a health-related approach. New York,

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Sherman, W. M., Peden, M. C., & Wright, D. A. (1991). Carbohydrate feedings 1 h before

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