Acute Capsaicin Supplementation Improves 1,500-m Running Time-Trial Performance and Rate of Perceived Exertion in Physically Active Adults

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effect of capsaicin supplementation on performance, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and blood lactate concentrations during short-duration running in physically active adults. Ten physically active men (age = 23.5 +/- 1.9 years, mass = 78.3 +/- 12.4 kg, and height = 177.9 +/- 5.9 cm) completed 2 randomized, double-blind trials: Capsaicin condition (12 mg) or a placebo condition. Forty-five minutes after supplement consumption, the participants performed a 1,500-m running time trial. Time (in seconds) was recorded. Blood lactate concentration was analyzed at rest, immediately after exercise, after 5, 10, and 30 minutes during recovery and the RPE was collected after exercise. The time was significantly (t = 3.316, p = 0.009) lower in the capsaicin (371.6 +/- 40.8 seconds) compared with placebo (376.7 +/- 39 seconds). Rate of perceived exertion was significantly (t = 2.753, p = 0.022) less in the capsaicin (18.0 +/- 1.9) compared with the placebo (18.8 +/- 1.3). Lactate increased across time for both conditions without significant differences between (p > 0.05). In summary, acute capsaicin supplementation improves middle distance running (1,500 m) performance and reduced RPE in physically active adults.