Effects of Advocare Spark Supplementation On Submaximal Cycling Test

Abstract

EFFECTS OF ADVOCARE SPARK SUPPLEMENTATION ON SUBMAXIMAL CYCLING TEST Author: Matt McLean Faculty Sponsor: J.R. Wilson, Ph.D., Brad Heddins, M.S.

INTRODUCTION: Submaximal Exercise is one of the most common forms of physical activity and is prevalent in both the advanced athlete’s training regimen as well as the everyday exerciser. Utilizing the consumption of different pre-workout drinks in order to optimize submaximal exercise has been studied for years. It is well documented that the caffeine in pre-workout beverages effect physiological responses to exercise. There has also been many studies showing the effects of vitamin and nutrient supplementation on submaximal exercise. Advocare Spark is a multi-nutrient supplement developed as a nutritional source of energy and enhanced mental focus. It contains both an effective amount of caffeine as well as various vitamins and minerals. Combining these ingredients begs the question of how it may effect physiological factors during submaximal exercise.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Advocare Spark consumption on physiological factors during a submaximal cycling test.

METHODS: Five men (M; age 21.2 +1.3 yrs) of the UTA Kinesiology department, with a history of exercise training volunteered to participate in this study. Each subject had demographic data recorded. Each subject consumed either the experimental supplement (S) or placebo (P) thirty minutes prior to testing. Each subject performed a steady state submaximal test on the cycle ergometer with consistent speed and resistance maintained throughout thirty minute bout. During each test, heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and blood pressure (BP) were recorded along with relative oxygen consumption (VO2) values measured by the Sensormedics Metabolic Cart. Total distance cycled was also recorded.

RESULTS: The HR with the placebo was 102 ±13.9 bpm while it was 98 ±15.2 bpm after consuming Spark. The heart rates resulted in a significant difference (p= 0.00017) between the two submaximal rides. The RPE for the placebo was 10.6 ±2.2 and 9.7 ±2.0 for Spark. This difference approached a significance (p = 0.057). There were no significant changes observed in the subject’s blood pressure during testing (p> 0.05) regardless of supplementation. However, a significant difference (p= 0.0028) was seen in total distance cycled between supplement and placebo groups (P: 13.7 ±0.2 km; S: 13.8 ±0.2 km). Lastly, VO2 values approached a significant difference (p=0.042) during cycle ergometer testing (P:14.4 ±5.8 ml/kg/min; S: 15.2 ±5.9 ml/kg/min).

CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that the consumption of Advocare Spark did have an effect on several factors during submaximal exercise when compared to the placebo. These differences may be further attributed to other factors such as the subject’s sleep, dietary consumption, and physical activity several hours before testing and many more.