Pseudoephedrine is a mild stimulant which partially mimics the action of noradrenaline and adrenaline. Recently, pseudoephedrine has been removed from the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited substances list. This occurred despite limited research in regards to its effects on sporting performance, and no studies on prolonged exercise performance (>2hrs). There is some evidence to suggest pseudoephedrine may have an ergogenic effect at dosages exceeding therapeutic levels, possibly by masking fatigue. This study investigated the possible ergogenic effects of pseudoephedrine on endurance cycling performance. Using a double blind, randomised cross over design, eight well-trained cyclists (VO2max 69 ± 2 ml×kg-1) performed two self- paced performance time trials at least 6 days apart. Ninety minutes prior to the trial, subjects consumed either placebo or pseudoephedrine (2.5 mg×kg-1) capsules. Diet and exercise were controlled for 48 hrs prior to each trial. The time trial required completion of a set amount of work, equivalent to riding at two and half hours at a power output calculated to elicit 70% VO2 max. Power output was measured using a Powertap system (Cycle Ops Power, Saris Cycling Group, USA). Venous blood samples were collected prior to capsule ingestion, just before starting the trial, and at every 20% increment in completed work until completion and were analysed for glucose and lactate. Heart rate was recorded throughout the trial. There was no significant effect of pseudoephedrine on average performance (p=0.235). Heart rate was significantly higher with pseudoephedrine consumption compared to placebo (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference in glucose or lactate between trials. Pseudoephedrine does not significantly improve self-paced endurance cycling performance, though the individual response was variable. However, exercising heart rate was significantly higher during exercise after ingestion of the stimulant.

Abstract It appears that "carbohydrate loading" may enhance the performance of resistance training, but studies on CHO supplementation prior to a resistance-training bout are limited and have resulted in conflicting findings. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of pre-exercise CHO supplementation on high-intensity (>75% 1RM) resistance training performance for resistance-trained women during an acute bout of resistance exercise. METHODS: Thirteen resistance trained female participants (21.9 ± 4.8 yrs; 64.5 ± 3.0 in; 137.0 ± 14.8 lbs) came to the Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory on three separate occasions; the day of the Familiarization Trial (FT) and the two Exercise Testing sessions (ET1 and ET2, respectively) all separated by seven days. Familiarization testing determined each participant's 1RM of the bench press and leg press and then 75% of the bench press 1RM and 85% of the leg press 1RM was determined. The participants were then randomly assigned to either the CHO or P treatment session using a double blind, counterbalanced technique in a cross-over design with each participant consuming 1.0 g CHO/kg body weight or a non-caloric P beverage 60 minutes before beginning the exercise bout for each ET. The total volume of weight lifted during five sets of the bench press, the total volume of the weight lifted during five sets of the leg press, and whole body total lifting volume was analyzed by a two-way repeated measures within subjects ANOVA with significance set at P <.05. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the CHO and P treatments in the three variables analyzed. Specifically total volume of weight lifted in pounds during five sets of the bench press was 3,200 (± 912) and 3,152 (± 852) (p = 0.655), total volume of weight lifted during five sets of the leg press was 44,004 (± 29,711) and 37,705 (± 19,681) (p = 0.136), and total lifting volume was 47,204 (± 30,399) and 40,857 (± 20,434) for the CHO and P treatment, respectively (p = 0.138). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-exercise CHO supplementation does not improve high-intensity resistance training performance for resistance-trained women during an acute resistance training session. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: It is evident that consuming CHO 60 minutes prior to performing resistance training exercises will not increase the number of sets, repetitions, or total work volume completed during acute high-intensity (>75% 1RM) resistance training sessions for women. During lower-intensity resistance training sessions, however, pre-exercise CHO supplementation may provide ergogenic effects and enhance resistance-training performance.