Background: Despite their popularity, the evidence supporting the majority of sports drinks that make claims related to enhanced performance or recovery is weak.
Aims: The aim of this research project is to determine whether a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution is more effective than placebo in enhancing endurance and performance in treadmill runs.
Methods: This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial comparing the effect of a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution (Lucozade Sport) with a taste and colour-matched placebo solution in healthy college gym users. Performance is assed using Bruce protocol treadmill stress test. Body Mass Index (BMI), fitness levels, health state, use of sports drinks are assessed to examine baseline characteristics and an expectancy questionnaire is administered to determine sports drink beliefs.The primary endpoint is the time taken for participants to run to exhaustion at baseline and following the intervention. Blood pressure and heart rate are recorded at baseline and at follow-up.
Results: Data collection for this study is ongoing and will be completed in January 2017.
Conclusions: This trial adds to the scientific evidence of popular sport drinks, advancing our understanding of the role of beliefs and expectancy in sport performance.