LeRoy Popowski, '97

Effect of alpha-L-polylactate on blood lactate concentration, oxygen consumption, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) in endurance runners during exercise.

Abstract

The present study investigated the effects of the administration of Cytomax, a sports energy drink, purported to decrease lactic acid levels by 40%, decrease oxygen consumption by 11%, and decrease rate of perceived exertion by 20%. Eight competitive, male athletes volunteered as subjects in a double-blind crossover design study. Subjects first completed a 56 minute run at a pace of 7 min/mile before beginning an increasingly difficult interval protocol which consisted of three minute intervals with 30 second recovery periods following each stage. The protocol began at a 6:10 min/mile pace and decreased ten second/mile each subsequent stage. Oxygen consumption was measured continuously throughout the interval protocol, ratings of perceived exertions were recorded during the last 30 seconds of each stage, and blood lactate concentration measured during the 30 second recovery periods. A glucose polymer drink was formulate utilizing Polycose and Equalyte manufactured by the Ross Laboratories Division of Abbott Laboratories to match the carbohydrate and electrolyte content of Cytomax, the experimental drink. Alph-L-polylactate did not significantly decrease blood lactate concentration, oxygen consumption, and rating so perceived exertion during the present protocol.

Faculty Mentor: Amy Olson, PhD, RD