Impact of a Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse on Quadriceps Muscle Function and Corticomotor Excitability

Abstract

Background: Carbohydrate (CHO) mouth rinse (MR) before exercise has been shown to improve physical performance and corticospinal motor excitability. Purpose: To determine the effects of different forms of CHO MR on quadriceps muscle performance and corticospinal motor excitability. Methods: 10 subjects (5 female and 5 male; 25 [1] y, 1.71 [0.03] m, 73 [5] kg) completed 4 conditions (placebo [PLA], 6.4% glucose [GLU], 6.4% maltose [MAL], 6.4% maltodextrin [MDX]). Maximal voluntary contraction (MVIC) of the right quadriceps and motor-evoked potential (MEP) of the right rectus femoris was determined pre (10 min), immediately after, and post (10 min) 20-s MR. MEP was precipitated by transcranial magnetic stimulation during muscle contraction (50% MVIC). Results: The relative change in MEP from pre-measures was different across treatments (P = .025) but was not different across time (P = .357). MEP was greater for all CHO conditions immediately after (GLU = 2.58% [5.33%], MAL = 3.92% [3.90%], MDX = 18.28% [5.57%]) and 10 min after (GLU = 14.09% [13.96%], MAL = 8.64% [8.67%], MDX = 31.54% [12.77%]) MR than PLA (immediately after = −2.19% [4.25%], 10 min = −13.41% [7.46%]). MVC was greater for CHO conditions immediately (GLU = 3.98% [2.49%], MAL = 5.89% [2.29%], MDX = 7.66% [1.93%]) and 10 min after (GLU = 7.22% [2.77%], MAL = 10.26% [4.22%], MDX = 10.18% [1.50%]) MR than PLA (immediately after = −3.24% [1.50%], 10 min = −6.46% [2.22%]). Conclusions: CHO MR increased corticospinal motor excitability and quadriceps muscle after application. The form of CHO used did not influence this response.