Acute Effects of Energy Drink on Autonomic and Cardiovascular Parameters Recovery in Individuals with Different Cardiorespiratory Fitness: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind and Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: It has been suggested that the consumption of energy drinks (ED) may affect cardiovascular activity. Objectives: to investigate the acute effects of ED intake on heart rate variability (HRV) and cardiovascular recovery after moderate aerobic exercise in males with different cardiorespiratory capacities. Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study. Twenty-eight young adults were split into two groups according to their peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) values: (1) High VO2 peak (HO)-VO2 peak > 52.15 mL/ kg/min, and (2) low VO2 peak (LO)-peak VO2 <52.15 mL/kg/min. Subjects of both groups underwent two exercise protocols in randomized order: moderate aerobic exercise (60% of VO2peak) following the intake of 250 mL of water (placebo protocol) or 250 mL of ED (ED protocol). During the exercise tests, values of cardiorespiratory and HRV parameters were recorded. Results: Significant differences were observed for the LF (normalized units) index between rest and Rec1 in HO energy and LO groups during the ED protocol. For the LF/HF ratio, significant differences were seen between rest and Rec1 in HO and LO during ED protocols. Conclusion: Acute ED intake delayed heart rate recovery after exercise in subjects with low and high cardiorespiratory fitness.