Effects of a Herbal Drink on Cycling Endurance Performance

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Effects of a Herbal Drink on Cycling Endurance Performance
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.

Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Ooi Foong Kiew, Rabindarjeet Singh, Roland G. Sirisinghe, Ang Boon Suen, Syed Mohsin Sahil Jamalullail


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Effects of a Herbal Drink on Cycling Endurance Performance

Year: 2003

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

This study investigated the effects of acute ingestion of a herbal drink titled "AgroMas®" versus a coloured water placebo on physiological responses and performance during cycling exercise in a group of eight trained young male cyclists. Conducted in controlled environmental conditions, the research utilized a double-blind randomised design where participants cycled until exhaustion while receiving either the herbal drink or the placebo every 20 minutes. The aim was to evaluate whether the herbal drink could enhance cycling endurance performance compared to standard hydration methods.

Effects on Cycling Performance

The results reported no significant difference between the herbal drink and placebo with respect to total work time to exhaustion, as well as various physiological parameters including heart rate, oxygen consumption, plasma glucose and lactate concentrations, rectal temperature, respiratory exchange ratio, and energy expenditure. Both drinks resulted in similar plasma volume loss during the exercise trials. This indicates that consuming the herbal drink did not confer any additional benefit on endurance performance or physiological responses compared to the placebo.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the findings from this study suggest that the components of the AgroMas® herbal drink do not provide any enhanced advantages for cycling endurance when compared to a coloured water placebo. Consequently, while the beverage is marketed as a fluid replacement, it does not substantially improve physiological metrics or exercise performance among trained young cyclists, underscoring the importance of evidence-based approaches in sports nutrition.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What was the purpose of the study on the herbal drink?

The study aimed to evaluate the physiological effects of the herbal drink, AgroMas®, on cycling endurance performance compared to a colored water placebo during exercise.

How many subjects participated in the cycling endurance study?

Eight healthy and trained male young cyclists participated in the study after providing written informed consent.

What were the main findings regarding the herbal drink's effectiveness?

The findings indicated that the herbal drink did not provide any added advantages in cycling endurance performance, as physiological responses were similar to the placebo ingestion.

What exercise conditions did the cyclists endure during the trials?

Cyclists performed exercise on a cycle ergometer at 70% VO2max until exhaustion, in a controlled environment of 23.9°C and 64.2% relative humidity.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Effects of a Herbal Drink on Cycling Endurance Performance”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Performance:
Performance in this context refers to the endurance capability of trained cyclists during cycling exercise. It indicates how well cyclists can sustain physical exertion and relates to the effectiveness of hydration strategies, such as herbal drinks, in enhancing athletic output before exhaustion occurs.

2) Study (Studying):
The study is a research endeavor aimed at examining the physiological effects of a herbal drink versus a placebo on cycling performance. It serves to provide evidence and insights into hydration strategies that could influence athletic performance, particularly in young male endurance cyclists under controlled environmental conditions.

3) Table:
Table refers to the organized data presented in the study, specifically detailing the physical and physiological characteristics of the subjects. It provides crucial baseline information necessary for understanding the subject demographics and allows ease of comparison among variables affecting the outcomes of the exercise trials.

4) Water:
Water is a vital component for hydration, crucial for optimal bodily functions during exercise. In the study, water intake illustrates how fluid replacement affects performance, given that dehydration can hinder physical capability and that various drinks, including herbal solutions, may differ in their effectiveness as rehydration sources.

5) Activity:
Activity, in this context, pertains to physical exercise, specifically cycling at a set intensity until exhaustion. It highlights the demands placed on the cardiovascular and muscular systems during endurance cycling, thereby serving as the basis for assessing the impact of fluid ingestion on performance metrics.

6) Relative:
Relative refers to the comparison of various metrics such as workload and humidity levels within the experiment. It allows for the understanding of individual performance and physiological responses in relation to their maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), thus offering insights into how different factors influence endurance.

7) Sweating (Sweat):
Sweat represents the fluid excreted by the body during physical exertion, playing a significant role in thermoregulation and hydration. Understanding sweat loss is crucial for athletes, as it directly impacts performance, necessitating the investigation of different hydration strategies, including herbal drinks, to offset fluid losses.

8) Male (Mālē):
Male designates the gender of the subjects in this study, focusing specifically on young male cyclists. This demographic choice is important as it may center attention on specific physiological responses to exercise and hydration strategies, potentially making findings applicable to similar athletic populations.

9) Cinnamomum cassia:
Cinnamomum cassia, an ingredient in the herbal drink studied, is a plant known for its various health benefits. Its inclusion aims to explore whether its potential properties could aid in enhancing cycling performance and physiological responses, although the study found no significant benefits compared to the placebo.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Effects of a Herbal Drink on Cycling Endurance Performance’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Fluid replacement, Informed consent, Physiological characteristics, Cross Over Design, Rectal temperature, Experimental trial, Body weight, Double blind, Energy Metabolism, Dehydration, Physiological response, Energy expenditure, Exercise intensity, Placebo solution, Maximal oxygen uptake, Laboratory Condition, Maximal oxygen consumption, Plasma glucose concentration, Herbal drink, Cycling Exercise, Caffeine-free, Age of participants, Research and ethical committee, Exercise performance.

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