Impact of carbohydrate use and frequency in mouthwash on physical and cognitive performance in endurance-trained athletes

Over the last few decades, the use of carbohydrates as mouthwashes has made its appearance in the sporting world to overcome the constraints of optimizing body composition or gastrointestinal disorders induced by high carbohydrate consumption during exercise.

In this context, the ergogenic effect of their use is now recognized, particularly during endurance efforts lasting between 45 and 75 minutes. Despite these recommendations, it is acknowledged that the ergogenic effect is directly modulated by several methodological factors, including the nutritional status of the athlete and the duration of mouth rinses. However, to date, the question of the influence of mouthwash frequency remains unexplored in the scientific literature, even though a dose-response effect has been demonstrated when carbohydrates are used as mouthwashes.

In this study, the experts examine the effect of mouthwash frequency on the physical and cognitive performance of athletes trained in cycling.