Effect of Acute Phenylcapsaicin Intake on Trained Cross-Training Athletes

Capsaicin appears to enhance athletic performance by reducing perceived effort, increasing mechanical performance (e.g., total volume load), and decreasing muscle damage. Given the close relationship between the metabolic and physiological responses of cross-training and supplementation with Phenylcapsaicin (PC), it could be expected that consuming capsaicin during cross-training would have a favorable impact on perceived effort, recovery, and performance.

25 women and 24 men trained in CrossFit consumed either Phenylcapsaicin (PC) or a placebo during a CrossFit class, which consisted of a 16-minute weightlifting segment and a 15-minute WOD. Both the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and the Perceived Recovery Status scale (RPS) were administered at the beginning of the session and at the end of each segment of the CrossFit session. DOMS was assessed using a visual analog scale at 24 and 48 hours after the CrossFit session.

Inclusion criteria

• Age: 18-35 years.
• Body mass index: 18.5-30 kg/m2.
• Ability to understand the instructions, objectives, and study protocol.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in crosstraining, with at least 6 hours of weekly training over the past 3 months.
• Resident on the island of Tenerife.

Exclusion criteria

• History of a significant adverse cardiovascular event, renal insufficiency, cirrhosis, eating disorder, weight control surgical intervention, or type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• Any chronic pathology in which the intake of nutritional supplements, especially pungent components, is not recommended.
• Any condition that, in the investigator's judgment, would impair the ability to participate in the study or represent a personal risk to the participant.
• Use of medications that may affect the study results.
• Unstable body weight for 3 months prior to the start of the study (> 4 kg loss or gain in weight).
• Active tobacco abuse or illicit drug use, or history of treatment for alcohol abuse.
• On a special diet or prescribed for other reasons (e.g., celiac disease).