Rev up muscles after workout with java jolt, researchers say
02.07.2008 16:01
Health
- Source: cbc.ca
Drinking lots of coffee after a strenuous workout while consuming fuel-replenishing carbohydrates can help accelerate muscular recovery, according to a new study. New research showed that athletes who consumed carbs and drank caffeine had 66 per cent more glycogen in their muscles four hours after working out, versus athletes who consumed carbs alone. Glycogen, or stored glucose, helps power muscles. The study, conducted by Australian researchers and published in the July print issue of the journal of Applied Physiology, focused on seven endurance cyclists. The athletes participated in four sessions, during which they first rode a cycle ergometer, an instrument that measures the amount of work done by muscles over a period of time, and then ate a low-carb dinner. The following day, having not eaten since the night before, the athletes cycled until exhaustion. They then drank a caffeine- and carb-laced beverage or one with just carbs, and rested in the lab for four hours. The caffeinated drink had caffeine levels equal to five or six cups of coffee. Researchers then took muscle biopsies and blood samples from the athletes. Seven to 10 days later, the double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment was repeated, but the athletes who had formerly ingested only carbs were given carbs and caffeine to drink, and vice-versa. Caffeine may give competitive edgeThe researchers discovered that in the four hours after consuming the drinks, the athletes who had ingested the caffeine beverages had higher levels of blood glucose and insulin, as well as 66 per cent more glycogen, than those who drank the carb-only beverage. As well, they found that more signalling proteins ,which help transport glucose to muscles, were elevated in the subjects who drank the caffeinated beverage. The researchers believe drinking caffeine after a workout can give athletes a competitive edge. "If you have 66 per cent more fuel for the next day's training or competition, there is absolutely no question you will go farther or faster," said Dr. Hawley, the study's senior author, in a release. The research did not determine why caffeine increases glucose uptake by the muscles. Story Tools: E-MAIL | PRINT | Text Size: SMLXL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACKRelatedInternal LinksCaffeine and exercise may help prevent skin cancerBlog: Take two cups and call me in the morningExternal LinksStudy: Journal of Applied Physiology(Note: CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external sites - links will open in new window) Health HeadlinesRev up muscles after workout with java jolt, researchers sayDrinking lots of coffee after a strenuous workout while consuming fuel-replenishing carbohydrates can help accelerate muscular recovery, according to a new study. Tomatoes may not be source of salmonella outbreak: U.S.The American government is widening its hunt for the source of a major U.S. salmonella outbreak, turning its focus beyond tomatoes to other fresh produce.FDA approves Israeli maker's generic version of anti-psychotic RisperdalJohnson & Johnson's blockbuster anti-psychotic drug Risperdal will face generic competition, as Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. has become the first company to receive approval from U.S. regulators for a generic version. Benefits of magic mushrooms may linger: reportScientists say that when they surveyed volunteers 14 months after taking hallucinogenic mushrooms, most said they were feeling and behaving better because of the experience.Good vibrations may help reduce falls: studyLess than 10 minutes standing on a vibrating platform several times a week could help reduce older people's risk of falls, Australian researchers have found. Health FeaturesIN DEPTHDrug-resistant TBAnatomy of a killerPeople who read this also read …
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