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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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Open Access 01-03-2018 | Original Article

Acute acetaminophen ingestion improves performance and muscle activation during maximal intermittent knee extensor exercise

Authors: Paul T. Morgan, Joanna L. Bowtell, Anni Vanhatalo, Andrew M. Jones, Stephen J. Bailey

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 3/2018

Abstract

Aim

Acetaminophen is a commonly used medicine for pain relief and emerging evidence suggests that it may improve endurance exercise performance. This study investigated some of the physiological mechanisms by which acute acetaminophen ingestion might blunt muscle fatigue development.

Methods

Thirteen active males completed 60 × 3 s maximum voluntary contractions (MVC) of the knee extensors with each contraction separated by a 2 s passive recovery period. This protocol was completed 60 min after ingesting 1 g of maltodextrin (placebo) or 1 g of acetaminophen on two separate visits. Peripheral nerve stimulation was administered every 6th contraction for assessment of neuromuscular fatigue development, with the critical torque (CT), which reflects the maximal sustainable rate of oxidative metabolism, taken as the mean torque over the last 12 contractions. Surface electromyography was recorded continuously as a measure of muscle activation.

Results

Mean torque (61 ± 11 vs. 58 ± 14% pre-exercise MVC) and CT (44 ± 13 vs. 40 ± 15% pre-exercise MVC) were greater in the acetaminophen trial compared to placebo (both P < 0.05). Voluntary activation and potentiated twitch declined at a similar rate in both conditions (P > 0.05). However, the decline in electromyography amplitude was attenuated in the acetaminophen trial, with electromyography amplitude being greater compared to placebo from 210 s onwards (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

These findings indicate that acute acetaminophen ingestion might be ergogenic by increasing CT and preserving muscle activation during high-intensity exercise.

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Title: Acute acetaminophen ingestion improves performance and muscle activation during maximal intermittent knee extensor exercise
Authors: Paul T. Morgan
Joanna L. Bowtell
Anni Vanhatalo
Andrew M. Jones
Stephen J. Bailey
Publication date: 01-03-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-017-3794-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Acute acetaminophen ingestion improves performance and muscle activation during maximal intermittent knee extensor exercise

Abstract

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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