RECREATIONAL runners given a commercial energy drink prior to completing a 5km time trial saw their performances improve significantly, according to a study published in the November issue of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.
In the double-blind, randomised trial, participants were given either 500ml of Red Bull or a non-caffeinated, sugar-free placebo an hour before completing two time trials on a treadmill, separated by seven days. Researchers measured their heart rate and rate of perceived exertion at rest, an hour before consuming the drinks, at fiveminute intervals during the run, and immediately after they had finished the trial.