Effects of Carbohydrate Mouthwash on 40 Km Cycling Performance in Triathlete

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of carbohydrate mouth rinse on triathletes’ performance in a 40 km cycling test, following 1.5km swim. In the randomized, blinded, and crossover experimental design, thirteen male triathletes (age: 29.69 ± 7.8 years; training experience: 2.5 ± 1.19 years; O2max: 51.33 ± 6.04 ml.kg-1.min-1) performed a time trial with self-regulated speed in two conditions: placebo mouth rinse (PLA) and carbohydrate mouth rinse (CHO). The results showed no significant differences in the mean durations of the time trial (PLA: 72min13s ± 3min30s and CHO: 72min55s ± 3min20s; p = 0.789; d = 0.08), relative power output (PLA: 2.74 ± 0.23w/kg; CHO: 2.74 ± 0.25w/kg; p = 0.945; d = 0.02), mean speed (PLA: 33.04 ± 1.28km/h; CHO: 32.98 ± 1.21km/h; p = 0.785; d = 0.09), mean Heart Rate (PLA: 148.00 ± 11.51bpm; CHO: 149.00 ± 10.78bpm), and Rate of Perceived Exertion (PLA: 5.41 ± 0.99; CHO: 5.50 ± 1.22; p = 0.704; d = 0.08). In conclusion, carbohydrate mouth rinse may not be effective to improve performance in triathletes.