Introduction: Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements (MIPS) are commonly used by individuals looking to enhance exercise performance and augment adaptations to training. However, the efficacy of commercially available MIPS is largely dependent on the ingredient profile, and new formulations should be investigated to determine their effectiveness. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a commercially available MIPS product on performance during an upper body resistance exercise protocol.Methods: Twenty resistance-trained participants (10 men, 10 women) volunteered to complete this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study consisting of 3 visits. Visit 1 consisted of body composition, 1-repetition maximum (1RM) testing, and familiarization. Visits 2 and 3 consisted of supplementation with either MIPS or placebo (PLA) 1 h prior to completion of an upper body resistance exercise workout during which power output, repetitions completed, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and perceived recovery were recorded. Assessments of reaction time, isometric mid-thigh pull, and perceived levels of focus, energy, fatigue, and “muscle pump” were also completed before supplementation, 1 h after supplementation, and immediately after exercise.Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant main effects of trial for reaction time (p < 0.001) and bench press peak power (p = 0.026) indicating better performance during the MIPS trial. Furthermore, total number of repetitions completed significantly increased (p = 0.003) during the MIPS (96.90 ± 21.31 repetitions) trial compared to PLA (89.50 ± 18.37 repetitions). Additionally, overall session RPE was significantly lower (p = 0.002) during the MIPS (7.6 ± 1.2) trial compared to PLA (8.3 ± 0.9).Discussion: These findings suggest that acute supplementation with this MIPS improved upper body resistance exercise performance while reducing participant RPE. Further research should investigate the efficacy of chronic supplementation with this MIPS as the acute response provided an ergogenic benefit.

Research examining the changes in muscle oxygen saturation across multiple sets of resistance exercise is limited. The purpose of this study was to describe the physiological response of muscle oxygenation parameters during upper-body resistance exercise and examine the differential effects of relevant participant characteristics on resistance training performance and muscle oxygen saturation dynamics. Sixty-one recreationally trained men (n = 44; 21.8 ± 2.6 years) and women (n = 17; 20.2 ± 1.8 years) completed five-repetition maximum sets of barbell bench presses at a load equal to 75% 1-RM with a 2 min rest interval. Muscle oxygen saturation (SmO₂) dynamics within the anterior deltoid were monitored using a portable near-infrared spectroscopy sensor. The percent change in SmO₂ (∆%SmO₂), the muscle oxygen re-saturation rate (SmO₂RecSlope), and the highest measured SmO₂ value during recovery periods (SmO₂Peak) were measured. Two-way (sex [men, women] x time [sets 1–5]) repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVA) were performed on muscle saturation variables. To examine the effect of relevant controlling variables, separate analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) with repeated measures were also performed. No differences were seen with ∆%SmO₂ across sets. The main effects for sets occurred for SmO₂RecSlope, whereby a decline was noted on sets 4 and 5 (p = 0.001) compared to set 1. Additionally, SmO₂Peak was the lowest on set 5 (p < 0.001) compared to all other sets. Moreover, body mass (p = 0.013), diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.044), and mean arterial pressure (p = 0.033) for ∆%SmO₂ were the only significant covariates noted amongst the muscle oxygenation variables. In conclusion, no sex differences and only a few set differences in muscle oxygen saturation dynamics were seen without employing any covariates. Body mass, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure were identified as factors that could influence observed responses.

Linear velocity is commonly used to estimate 1-repetition maximum (1RM) from a load–velocity profile (LVP), as well as prescribe training intensity. However, no study has assessed angular velocity, which may be more representative of joint motion. The purpose of this study was to compare the prediction of 1RM from linear velocity (1RM_linear) and angular velocity (1RM_angular) LVPs in men and women. Fourteen recreationally trained college-aged subjects (7 males, 7 females) completed 1RM testing on day 1, then a randomized submaximal (30–90% 1RM) squat protocol on day 2. Linear velocity was measured with a linear position transducer, while angular velocity was recorded using an accelerometer affixed to the thigh. 1RM_angular was not significantly different from actual 1RM (p = 0.951), with a trivial effect size (d = 0.02), and nearly perfect correlation with actual 1RM (r = 0.984). 1RM_linear had a near perfect correlation with actual 1RM (r = 0.991) but was significantly different than actual 1RM (p < 0.001) with a large effect size (d = 1.56). Additionally, 1RM_angular had a significantly (p = 0.020) lower absolute error (6.7 ± 5.3 kg) than 1RM_linear (12.9 ± 8.2 kg). Regardless of prediction method, males (12.9 ± 8.2 kg) had a greater absolute error in 1RM prediction than females (6.7 ± 5.2 kg). During submaximal loads, a significant load × gender interaction was observed for linear velocity (p < 0.001), with men showing faster velocities at 30% (p = 0.009) and 40% (p = 0.044) 1RM, with no significant interaction (p = 0.304) of main effect of gender (p = 0.116). Angular velocity may provide strength and conditioning coaches a more accurate 1RM prediction during submaximal sets of back squat than using linear velocity; however, neither meet all criteria to be considered highly valid. Lastly, the gender differences in linear velocity at submaximal exercises suggest gender-specific considerations in velocity-based training particularly at lighter loads.

Introduction: Pre-workout supplements have become increasingly popular for exercisers; however, the efficacy of newly marketed supplements may be uninvestigated. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement (MIPS) on repeated sprint ability and muscle excitability. Methods: A total of 20 women (age: 20.95 ± 1.62; mass: 66.23 ± 10.81) and 18 men (age: 22.70 ± 2.94; mass: 84.71 ± 12.76) completed two testing sessions separated by 48 hours and were provided the placebo or MIPS in a randomized order. After ingestion, participants waited 25 minutes before completing ten, 6-second sprints against a resistance of 7.5% of body mass with 45-second rest periods. For each sprint, peak power (PP) was recorded. Surface electromyography was recorded on the vastus lateralis of the subject’s dominant leg to determine muscle activation. The ratio of PP to muscle activation was calculated as muscle excitability. Results: MIPS significantly improved (p=0.005) PP in men on sprint 5 (mean difference ± SD: 62.6 ± 83.3W). In women, MIPS had no effect in PP (p=0.140). Muscle excitability was unaffected by MIPS in men (p=0.255) and women (p=0.501). Conclusions: An acute dose of MIPS does not appear to improve repeated sprint ability nor muscle excitability in men and women.