Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise (2005), Vol. 37, pp 1768 – 1773.
Methods
Nine endurance trained males were recruited for this randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced study. Subjects completed two exercise bouts each for 2 h at 70% VO2max. Each exercise bout was separated by 1 week. On each occasion, the subjects consumed either a water placebo (PLA) or a 6.4% carbohydrate-electrolyte drink (CHO) immediately before they cycled (5 ml/kg body mass) and every 15 min during (2 ml/kg body mass). Pleasure-displeasure was assessed before, during, and after the prolonged bout of cycling.
Results
- In the CHO trial, reported pleasure initially improved and was subsequently maintained during exercise. In contrast, the PLA trial resulted in a decrease.
- In the CHO trial, the ratings of displeasure were more positive during recovery when compared to the PLA trial (P < 0.05). The only significant increase (P < 0.05) in pleasure occurred 15 min post exercise in the CHO trial only.
- In the CHO trial, RPE increased (P < 0.05) over the course of the bout of cycling and was lower (P < 0.05) 75 min into exercise.
- In the CHO trial, plasma glucose concentration was higher immediately post exercise compared with the PLA trial (P < 0.05). Higher values of plasma cortisol concentration were reported in PLA trial.
Conclusions
The results of this study suggest that the consumption of carbohydrate enhanced feelings of pleasure during and following prolonged cycling. This highlights the importance of assessing not only “what”, but also “how” a person feels.
Backhouse, S. H., Bishop, N. C., Biddle, S. J. and Williams, C.
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