Energy drink vs. sport drink on max exercise test performance

Abstract

Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) is the maximum capacity of the body to transport and utilize oxygen during incremental exercise. VO2max can be expressed as either an absolute rate in liters of oxygen per minute (L/min) or as a relative rate in millimeters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute (ml/kg/min). Consumption of energy drinks and sport drinks are very popular among the athlete and non-athlete population today. Energy drinks have been said to decrease fatigue and increase mental focus, alertness, and endurance performance. Sport drinks have also been advertised to decrease the rate of muscle glycogen breakdown, therefore prolonging endurance exercise. Research has shown that energy drinks can improve endurance while exercising, and carbohydrate supplements can have large benefits on endurance performance.