Efeito da suplementação aguda de capsaicina sobre o desempenho e as respostas fisiológicas e perceptivas em sprint de 50 metros nado livre

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of acute supplementation with 12 mg of capsaicin, administered alone and in combination with preparatory exercise, on 50-meter sprint time, vertical jump performance, and related physiological and perceptual responses. METHODS: Nine male participants, with an average age and competitive level ranging from state to national, received 12 mg of capsaicin either alone, combined with a specific preparatory swimming exercise, or as a placebo. The supplementation was administered 45 minutes prior to the 50-meter freestyle sprint. Performance in countermovement jumps and perceptual scales (PSE, BRUMS, and EVA) were also assessed. Additionally, partial sprint times at 15 and 35 meters and blood lactate concentrations were determined pre-exercise, 1 minute, and 3 minutes post-exercise.RESULTS: No significant differences were found in total 50-meter sprint time for the supplementation intervention (p = 0.925), the preparatory exercise (p = 0.657), or the combination of interventions (p = 0.703). Similarly, no significant differences were observed in partial times at 15 meters (p = 0.28) or at 35 meters for the supplementation intervention (p = 0.619), the preparatory exercise (p = 0.966), or the combination of interventions (p = 0.994). In terms of jump height, no significant differences were observed for the supplementation intervention (p = 0.08; ɳ² = 0.327); however, a significant effect was identified for the preparatory exercise (p = 0.003; ɳ² = 0.693), with no interaction between interventions (p = 0.306). Regarding lactate levels (pre-exercise, 1 minute, and 3 minutes post-exercise), no significant differences were found for the supplementation intervention (p = 0.782, p = 0.107, and p = 0.724, respectively). However, significant differences were observed for the preparatory exercise (p = 0.029, p = 0.006, and p = 0.006, respectively), with no interaction between interventions (p = 0.437, p = 0.422, and p = 0.441, respectively). In terms of PSE, no significant differences were found between interventions (p = 0.194). The motivation and preparation variables showed no significant differences for any intervention. The BRUMS vigor scale showed no significant difference across interventions; however, the BRUMS fatigue scale revealed a statistically significant difference for the preparatory exercise intervention (p = 0.007).CONCLUSION: Acute supplementation with capsaicin, whether administered alone or combined with specific preparatory exercise, as well as the preparatory exercise alone, did not significantly alter 50-meter sprint performance. However, the specific preparatory exercise led to a significant improvement in countermovement jump performance and resulted in higher pre- and post-exercise lactate levels. Additionally, the preparatory exercise effectively reduced the perception of fatigue.