Differential effects of pre-workout energy drink and chocolate on cardiovascular endurance and physiological responses in intermittent sport athletes

Abstract

This study compared the effects of energy drink and chocolate pre-workout intake on cardiovascular endurance, blood pressure, heart rate, and recovery in 42 collegiate athletes. Participants were divided into the Energy Drink Group (EDG) and Chocolate Group (CG) and underwent Beep Tests to evaluate cardiovascular endurance. Results revealed sex-specific responses: females in the EDG significantly improved cardiovascular endurance, while improvements in males across both groups were nonsignificant. The CG demonstrated significant cardiovascular endurance enhancements without the adverse effects observed in the EDG, such as elevated blood pressure and heart rate. Notably, the EDG exhibited superior heart rate recovery post-exercise, a benefit less pronounced in the CG. These findings suggest that while energy drinks facilitate immediate cardiac recovery, chocolate offers a more favorable impact on cardiovascular endurance without negatively affecting cardiovascular parameters. Future studies should examine a broader range of commercially available energy drinks and chocolate snacks commonly consumed by student-athletes. Emphasis on sport-specific testing is recommended to better understand these supplements' effects on athletic performance across diverse sporting contexts.