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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-01-2014 | Original Article

The influence of acetaminophen on repeated sprint cycling performance

Authors: Josh Foster, Lee Taylor, Bryna C. R. Chrismas, Samuel L. Watkins, Alexis R. Mauger

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acetaminophen on repeated sprint cycling performance.

Methods

Nine recreationally active male participants completed a graded exercise test, a familiarisation set of Wingate Anaerobic Tests (WAnTs) and two experimental sets of WAnTs (8 × 30 s sprints, 2 min active rest intervals). In the experimental WAnTs, participants ingested either 1.5 g acetaminophen or a placebo in a double-blind, randomised, crossover design. During the WAnT trials, participants provided ratings of perceived pain 20 s into each sprint. Mean and peak power output and heart rate were recorded immediately following each sprint, and percentage decrement in mean power output was subsequently calculated.

Results

Participants cycled at a significantly greater mean power output over the course of 8 WAnTs (p < 0.05) following the ingestion of acetaminophen (391 ± 74 vs. 372 ± 90 W), due to a significantly greater mean power output during sprints 6, 7 and 8 (p < 0.05). Percentage decrements in mean power output were also significantly reduced (p < 0.05) following acetaminophen ingestion (17 ± 14 vs. 24 ± 17 %). No significant differences in peak power output, perceived pain or heart rate were observed between conditions.

Conclusion

Acetaminophen may have improved performance through the reduction of pain for a given work rate, thereby enabling participants to exercise closer to a true physiological limit. These results suggest that exercise may be regulated by pain perception, and that an increased pain tolerance can improve exercise performance.

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Title: The influence of acetaminophen on repeated sprint cycling performance
Authors: Josh Foster
Lee Taylor
Bryna C. R. Chrismas
Samuel L. Watkins
Alexis R. Mauger
Publication date: 01-01-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-013-2746-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The influence of acetaminophen on repeated sprint cycling performance

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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