Pre-Exercise Sports Drink Durations' Effects onVo2 Max, Exercise
Capacity, Heart Rate, and Oxygen Saturation after a sports workout
Laxman1 * , Dr. Ranjan Kumar Pandey 2
1. Research Scholar, Sabarmati University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat,
India parasrampuria1974@gmail.com ,
2. Teacher, IEC College of Engineering & Technology, Greater
Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract: In the realm of athletics, there
are many chances for athletes to showcase their abilities, gain experience, and
enjoy themselves. Everyone from athletes to those in other fields is naturally
competitive, so they're constantly trying to outdo themselves. A total of
forty-five undergraduates from Indore's Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya's Physical
Education department participated in the research. Ages ranged from eighteen to
twenty-five for the participants. Three groups of fifteen were formed from this
pool of participants using a randomisation process. The three groups were
referred to as "Group A," "Group B," and "Control
Group C" in that order. The findings suggest that future research should
aim for bigger samples, include participants of varying ages and sexes, and
include more characteristics.
Keywords: Pre-exercise sports,
Effects Drink durations, sports workout
INTRODUCTION
There are many opportunities for athletes to show off
their skills, get experience, and have fun in the athletic world. Nowadays,
there is a lot of science and math involved in sporting activities, from
biomechanics and physiology to nutrition and sociology to psychology and
computer science to growth and development and sports medicine, among several
other disciplines. Recognising potential, being fit, and training using
scientific techniques are all necessities of international sports. Athletes'
exceptional performances are influenced by several factors such as their
genetics, physical condition, training, skill level, biomechanics, and
psychology. As stated by Conway et al. (2010). A number of nations are sending
their best athletes to show the world who's boss. Athletes' strength, stamina,
and ability have been tested to their limits as they've been driven to run
faster, more nimble, and more flexible by the national spirit.
Because of their inherent competitiveness, athletes
from all areas of life are always pushing themselves to set new marks. In
addition, there is a constant quest for innovative methods by which coaches may
improve their players' performance. Physical education instructors, coaches,
fitness experts, and others in the athletic and active professions depend
significantly on their knowledge of exercise physiology in their daily job.
Modern exercise physiology, biomechanics, and psychological tools are many for
researchers to choose from. This may be useful for fitness experts, instructors,
and trainers in the field as it allows them to collect and exchange data on
people's exercise and physical activity levels. It could be useful for the
scientific design and implementation of training and exercise programs for
athletes of all types.
Athletes should pay close attention to their
pre-exercise diets since they have a significant impact on vital physiological
variables including heart rate, exercise capacity, VO2 max, and oxygen
saturation. A lot of people are interested in the dietary approach of drinking
a sports drink before exercise. The reasoning behind this is that it will help
you utilise energy more efficiently, delay fatigue, and have a better workout
overall. Despite ongoing research, there is currently no consensus on how long
it is best to wait after drinking a sports drink before engaging in physical
performance. Sports drinks, which could include carbohydrates, electrolytes,
and other performance-enhancing ingredients, primarily serve to hydrate the
user, regulate electrolyte levels, and replace glycogen stores. Important for
promoting physical activity over the long term and mitigating performance
declines, these factors must be present. Knowing how the body responds to
different amounts of fluids before exercise could be very helpful for coaches,
athletes, and sports nutritionists.
We want to get a better understanding of the relative
benefits of consuming sports drinks at various pregame intervals from this
study. The duration of the advantages of pre-workout beverages is a question that
researchers are attempting to answer by examining several aspects. Also, the
effects of pre-workout supplements on outcomes will be examined, taking into
account factors like training history and individual physiological variances.
The findings of this research have the potential to
inform the development of evidence-based nutrition plans that can benefit
athletes across different sports. Gaining an advantage and enhancing exercise
efficiency in the pursuit of peak athletic performance requires an understanding
of the nuances of when to drink before activity.
METHODOLOGY
Selection of subjects
The study's participants were 45 students chosen at
random from the Physical Education program at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya in
Indore. The participants' ages varied from eighteen to twenty-five. Using a
randomisation procedure, these people were separated into three groups of
fifteen each. We called the three sets of participants "Group A,"
"Group B," and "Control Group C" respectively. Each group
received a different beverage in order to study the impact of various fluids on
physiological performance measures. As a control, Group C got ordinary filtered
water, Group B got freshly squeezed lemon juice, and Group A got Gatorade, a
commercially available sports drink.
Experimental Design
A randomized group design was implemented to ensure
objective results and minimize bias. Initially, all 45 subjects were randomly
allocated into three groups. Sports drinks were also randomly assigned to each
group to reduce any influence of selection bias. This design allowed for a
comparative analysis of how different types and timings of fluid intake
affected exercise performance and physiological response.
Description of Sports Drinks Administered
·
Gatorade (Group A):
Commercially available sports drink (orange flavor), 500 ml per serving.
· Fresh Lemon Juice (Group B): Prepared
by mixing 500 ml filtered water with 10 ml lemon extract, 30 grams sugar, and 1
gram salt.
· Plain Water (Group C): 500 ml of UV-filtered water.
Statistical procedures
We used
the right statistical methods to look at the differences within and between the
groups. To evaluate differences among groups between the pre- and post-tests,
the paired t-test was used. To make sure the treatment effects were accurately
interpreted, Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare the three
groups' means, with pre-test scores adjusted for as variables. When it came to
examining disparities between groups, one was more suited than the other.
· Dependent
t-Test, also known as Paired Sample t-Test
· Step
two: analysis of covariance
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
Analysis of heart
rate: pre- and post-test comparisons (1 hour before exercise)
Table 1: Paired Sample t-Test on Heart
Rate Measurements Before and After Games Workout When drinks were administered
1 hour prior to exercise
|
Group |
Timing |
Test
Stage |
Mean
± SD |
t-value |
t-critical |
|
Gatorade |
Immediately |
Pre-Test |
130.6 ± 4.96 |
|
|
|
Post-Test |
122.4 ± 4.17 |
9.50* |
1.76 |
||
|
2 minutes |
Pre-Test |
105.13 ± 5.96 |
|
|
|
|
Post-Test |
101.6 ± 6.27 |
10.51* |
1.76 |
||
|
5 minutes |
Pre-Test |
87.0 ± 6.05 |
|
|
|
|
Post-Test |
81.06 ± 5.33 |
6.05* |
1.76 |
||
|
Lemon
Juice |
Immediately |
Pre-Test |
130.73 ± 5.87 |
|
|
|
Post-Test |
123.8 ± 3.18 |
5.62* |
1.76 |
||
|
2 minutes |
Pre-Test |
105.13 ± 5.96 |
|
|
|
|
Post-Test |
101.6 ± 6.24 |
3.94* |
1.76 |
||
|
|
|||||
|
|
5 minutes |
Pre-Test |
87.2 ± 4.67 |
|
|
|
Post-Test |
80.46 ± 6.12 |
3.38* |
1.76 |
||
|
Water
(Control) |
Immediately |
Pre-Test |
131.0 ± 5.56 |
|
|
|
Post-Test |
124.53 ± 4.48 |
8.29* |
1.76 |
||
|
2 minutes |
Pre-Test |
106.0 ± 5.92 |
|
|
|
|
Post-Test |
102.73 ± 3.28 |
3.30* |
1.76 |
||
|
5 minutes |
Pre-Test |
86.86 ± 4.68 |
|
|
|
|
Post-Test |
83.66 ± 4.68 |
8.41* |
1.76 |
||
*Significant at 0.05 level
All three groups' heart
rates decreased considerably after each recorded period following the games
activity, according to the paired t-test results: Gatorade Group: Significant reductions were observed immediately
after exercise (t = 9.50), at 2 minutes post (t = 10.51), and at 5 minutes post
(t = 6.05). These results suggest Gatorade had a consistent effect in
supporting heart rate recovery across all time points. Lemon Juice Group: The t-values for immediate (5.62), 2 minutes
(3.94), and 5 minutes post-exercise (3.38) were also statistically significant,
indicating a beneficial effect on heart rate reduction, though the effect size
was slightly lower compared to the Gatorade group. Control Group (Water): Surprisingly, even plain water led to
significant heart rate reductions (t-values = 8.29, 3.30, and 8.41). While
effective, the trends suggest a slightly less consistent or sustained impact
than Gatorade.
Figure 1: Pre-Test and
Post-Test Heart Rate
Comparison of oxygen
saturation levels post-workout when drinks were administered one hour prior in
experimental and control groups
Table 2: ANCOVA Analysis of Oxygen
Saturation Immediately After a Games Workout When Drinks Were Given One Hour
Before Workout in Experimental and Control Groups (Oxygen saturation measured
in %)
|
Test |
Gatorade Drink Group |
Lemon Juice Group |
Control Group |
Source of Variation |
Sum
of Squares (SS) |
Degrees
of Freedom (df) |
Mean Square (MS) |
F Ratio |
|
|
|
|
Pre-Test |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mean |
93.8 |
93.67 |
93.8 |
Between |
0.17 |
2 |
0.08 |
0.05* |
|
SD |
1.32 |
1.23 |
1.26 |
Within |
68.13 |
42 |
1.62 |
|
|
|
|
|
Post-Test |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mean |
94 |
93.73 |
93.73 |
Between |
0.71 |
2 |
0.35 |
0.2* |
|
SD |
1.06 |
1.57 |
1.33 |
Within |
75.86 |
42 |
1.80 |
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted
Post-Test |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mean |
94 |
93.72 |
93.73 |
Between |
0.75 |
2 |
0.38 |
0.21* |
|
|
|
|
|
Within |
74.9 |
41 |
1.83 |
|
*Note:
Low statistical significance (p < 0.05). For
df(2,42) and df(2,41), the F ratio needed for significance at the 0.05 level is
3.22.
The groups administered the Gatorade drink (93.8 ±
1.32), the lemon juice (93.67 ± 1.23), and the control
(93.8 ± 1.26), were given the pre-test oxygen
saturation mean and standard deviation, respectively. At 0.05, the estimated
F-value fell short of the 3.22 crucial table F-value. This proves that the
random assignment of participants worked as there was no discernible variation
in oxygen saturation among the three groups before the beverages were given.
Figure 2: Pre-test,
post-test and adjusted Post-test means of oxygen saturation immediately after
an games workout when drinks were given 1 hour before workout in experimental
groups and control group
Evaluation of heart
rate immediately after a games workout in experimental and control groups
Table 3: ANCOVA Analysis of Heart Rate
Immediately After a Games Workout (Drinks administered 4 hours before workout;
heart rate in beats per minute)
|
Test |
Gatorade Drink Group |
Fresh Lemon Juice Group |
Control Group |
Source of Variation |
|
Sum of Squares (SS) |
Degrees of Freedom (df) |
Mean Square (MS) |
F Ratio |
|
|
|
|
Pre-Test |
|
|
|
|
||
|
Mean |
130.6 |
130.73 |
131 |
Between |
|
1.24 |
2 |
0.62 |
0.02* |
|
SD |
4.96 |
5.87 |
5.56 |
Within |
|
1262.53 |
42 |
30.06 |
|
|
|
|
|
Post-Test |
|
|
|
|
||
|
Mean |
123.67 |
124.53 |
125.2 |
Between |
|
17.73 |
2 |
8.86 |
0.31* |
|
SD |
5.82 |
4.34 |
5.74 |
Within |
|
1201.46 |
42 |
28.60 |
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted Post-Test |
|
|
|
|
||
|
Mean |
123.67 |
124.53 |
125.2 |
Between |
|
12.41 |
2 |
6.21 |
0.38* |
|
|
|
|
|
Within |
679.05 |
41 |
16.56 |
|
|
*Note:
Insignificant at the 0.05 level. The F ratio for significance at the 0.05 level
for df(2,42) and df(2,41) is 3.22.
Pre-Test Observations
The
control group had a heart rate of 131 ± 5.56 beats per minute, the group given
Gatorade a heart rate of 130.6 ± 4.96 beats per minute, and the group given
fresh lemon juice a heart rate of 130.73 ± 5.87 beats per minute. Compared to
the necessary table F value of 3.22, the computed F value of 0.02 was much
lower. This result verifies that there were no notable variations in heart
rates across the three groups prior to drink delivery, suggesting that
individuals were successfully randomised.
Post-Test Observations
Post-test heart rate means and standard deviations
were recorded as: Gatorade drink group at 123.67 ± 5.82, fresh lemon juice
group at 124.53 ± 4.34, and control group at 125.2 ± 5.74. The computed F value
of 0.31 was less than the table F value of 3.22, showing no significant
variation. This suggests that consuming Gatorade, fresh lemon juice, or water
four hours prior to the workout had no substantial effect on heart rate
immediately after the games workout.
Adjusted Post-Test Observations
Following
the test, the groups whose heart rates were adjusted showed the following: the
control group (125.2), the Gatorade drink group (123.67), and the fresh lemon
juice group (124.53). At the 0.05 threshold of significance, the computed
F-value of 0.38 was not significant, as it was lower than the table F-value of
3.22. Heart rate after exercise was unaffected by drinking Gatorade, fresh
lemon juice, or water four hours before to the exercise, according to the data.
Figure 3: Heart Rate Pre-, Post-, and
Adjusted Post-Workout Comparison of Heart Rate Two Minutes After Workout Among
Experimental and Control Groups (Following Drink Administration 4 Hours Before
Exercise)
To evaluate the impact of pre-workout drinks on heart
rate recovery, data were collected from three groups those who consumed
Gatorade, fresh lemon juice, and plain water (control) with heart rate recorded
two minutes post-exercise. The analysis involved comparing pre-test, post-test,
and adjusted post-test means using ANCOVA.
Comparison of oxygen
saturation two minutes after exercise among experimental and control groups (Following
Beverage Intake 4 Hours Prior to Workout)
Table 4: ANCOVA for Oxygen Saturation (%)
Two Minutes After Games Workout (Following Beverage Intake 4 Hours Before
Exercise)
|
Test
Stage |
Gatorade |
Lemon Juice |
Water (Control) |
Source of Variation |
SS |
df |
MS |
F- Ratio |
|
Pre-Test |
95.8 ± 0.77 |
95.73 ± 0.88 |
95.87 ± 0.74 |
Between Groups |
0.13 |
2 |
0.67 |
0.10 |
|
|
|
|
|
Within Groups |
27.07 |
42 |
0.64 |
|
|
Post-Test |
95.87 ± 0.74 |
95.93 ± 0.96 |
96 ± 0.92 |
Between Groups |
0.13 |
2 |
0.06 |
0.09 |
|
|
|
|
|
Within Groups |
32.66 |
42 |
0.77 |
|
|
Adjusted Post-Test |
95.87 |
95.97 |
95.96 |
Between Groups |
0.10 |
2 |
0.05 |
0.10 |
|
|
|
|
|
Within Groups |
23.98 |
41 |
0.58 |
|
Note: The
critical F-value at the 0.05 level for df(2,42) and df(2,41) is 3.22. All
observed F-ratios were below this threshold, indicating statistical
insignificance.
Pre-Test
Comparison: The pre-test oxygen saturation means for the Gatorade (95.8 ±
0.77), lemon juice (95.73 ± 0.88), and control (95.87 ± 0.74) groups showed no
statistically significant differences. The calculated F-value of 0.10 was far
below the critical F-value of 3.22. This supports the assumption that
participants were randomly and evenly distributed among the groups prior to the
intervention.
Post-Test
Analysis: Two minutes after the workout, the post-test means recorded were
95.87 ± 0.74 (Gatorade), 95.93 ± 0.96 (lemon juice), and 96 ± 0.92 (control).
The F-ratio of 0.09 also fell below the significance threshold, indicating that
the consumption of different drinks had no significant impact on postexercise
oxygen saturation at this interval.
Adjusted Post-Test Outcomes: After adjusting for covariates, the
oxygen saturation means were 95.87 (Gatorade), 95.97 (lemon juice), and 95.96
(control). The F-ratio remained low at 0.10, confirming the absence of
statistically meaningful differences between the groups even after adjustments.
Thus, the findings suggest that drinking Gatorade, lemon juice, or water four
hours before exercise does not produce a significant effect on oxygen
saturation measured two minutes post-workout.
Figure 4: Pre-Test,
Post-Test, and Adjusted Post-Test Oxygen Saturation (Two Minutes After Games
Workout With Drinks Taken 4 Hours Prior) Legend
·
Gatorade:
Experimental Group Consuming Gatorade.
·
Lemon: Experimental
Group Consuming Fresh Lemon Juice.
·
Water: Control
Group Consuming Water.
Assessment of exercise
capacity at baseline and post-workout in experimental and control groups
Table 5: Paired t-Test Analysis of Exercise Capacity After a Games
Workout (Drinks administered 4 hours before workout)
|
Group |
Sampling
Stage |
Mean
± SD |
Calculated
t |
Tabulated
t |
|
Gatorade |
Baseline |
708.73 ± 43.07 |
1.28 |
1.76 |
|
|
Post-Test |
703.53 ± 45.67 |
|
|
|
Fresh Lemon |
Baseline |
706.13 ± 65.80 |
1.62 |
1.76 |
|
|
Post-Test |
705.47 ± 65.79 |
|
|
|
Water (Control) |
Baseline |
707.53 ± 53.93 |
0.06 |
1.76 |
|
|
Post-Test |
706.8 ± 47.34 |
|
|
*Note: No
significance at the 0.05 level (calculated t below tabulated t of 1.76).
Gatorade Drink Group
For the Gatorade group, the baseline exercise capacity
mean and standard deviation were 708.73 ± 43.07, with post-test values at
703.53 ± 45.67. The calculated t-value of 1.28 is below the tabulated t-value
of 1.76, indicating no significant difference. This suggests that consuming
Gatorade four hours before a games workout had no notable impact on exercise
capacity.
Fresh Lemon Juice Group
In the fresh lemon juice group, the baseline mean and
standard deviation were 706.13 ± 65.80, and posttest values were 705.47 ±
65.79. The calculated t-value of 1.62 is less than the tabulated t-value of
1.76, showing no significant change. Thus, the administration of fresh lemon
juice four hours prior to the workout did not significantly affect exercise
capacity.
Water (Control) Group
For the control group (water), the
baseline mean and standard deviation were 707.53 ± 53.93, with posttest values
at 706.8 ± 47.34. The calculated t-value of 0.06 is well below the tabulated
t-value of 1.76, confirming no significant difference. This indicates that
water consumption four hours before the workout had no substantial effect on
exercise capacity.
Figure 5: Exercise
Capacity Pre- and Post-Workout
Evaluation of vo2 max
at baseline and post-workout in experimental and control groups
Table 6: Paired t-Test Analysis of VO2
Max After a Games Workout (Drinks administered 4 hours before workout)
|
Group |
Sampling
Stage |
Mean
± SD |
Calculated
t |
Tabulated
t |
|
Gatorade |
Baseline |
49.42 ± 2.62 |
0.20 |
1.76 |
|
Post-Test |
49.58 ± 2.74 |
|
|
|
|
Fresh Lemon |
Baseline |
49.01 ± 3.72 |
0.95 |
1.76 |
|
Post-Test |
49.40 ± 3.75 |
|
|
|
|
Water (Control) |
Baseline |
48.63 ± 2.96 |
1.74 |
1.76 |
|
Post-Test |
48.83 ± 2.72 |
|
|
*Note: No
significance at the 0.05 level (calculated t below tabulated t of 1.76).
Gatorade Drink Group
In the Gatorade group, the baseline VO2 max mean and
standard deviation were 49.42 ± 2.62, with posttest values at 49.58 ± 2.74. The
calculated t-value of 0.20 is well below the tabulated t-value of 1.76,
indicating no significant difference. This suggests that consuming Gatorade
four hours before a games workout had no notable impact on VO2 max.
Fresh Lemon Juice Group
For the fresh lemon juice group, the baseline mean and
standard deviation were 49.01 ± 3.72, and post-test values were 49.40 ± 3.75.
The calculated t-value of 0.95 is less than the tabulated t-value of 1.76,
showing no significant change. Thus, the administration of fresh lemon juice
four hours prior to the workout did not significantly affect VO2 max.
Water (Control) Group
In the control group (water), the baseline mean and
standard deviation were 48.63 ± 2.96, with post-test values at 48.83 ± 2.72.
The calculated t-value of 1.74 is slightly below the tabulated t-value of 1.76,
confirming no significant difference. This indicates that water consumption
four hours before the workout had no substantial effect on VO2 max.
Figure 6: VO2 Max Pre-
and Post-Workout
CONCLUSION
The study revealed that the timing
of pre-exercise ingestion of Gatorade, lemon juice, or water did not yield
significant differences in performance or oxygen metrics, except for heart
rate, which improved across all groups. These outcomes suggest that while heart
rate may be sensitive to hydration and rest, neither drink type nor timing had
a substantial impact on overall aerobic performance or oxygenation. Based on
these results, it is recommended that future studies be conducted with larger
sample sizes, across different age groups and sexes, and by incorporating
additional variables.
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