Performance Potential Comparing Personal Choice Vs A Scientifically Formulated Feeding Strategy (High5) In Endurance Exercise

This study was lead by Professor Kuno Hottenrott from the department for Performance diagnostic and Health promotion at the Martin-Luther University in Halle-Wittenberg (Germany).

18 Cyclists/Triathletes completed a 20-minute warm up followed by a VO2 Max test. Then after a 30-minute pause, they rode for 2 ½ hours at moderate intensity (70% VO2 Max) before finally completing a 64km (40mile) flat out Time Trial. The test was completed once using the riders own Personal Feeding Strategy (SE) and a second time using a Scientifically Nutrition Strategy from High5 (WE) employing the latest generation of 2:1 fructose sport drinks. The riders Personal Feeding Strategy (SE) involved the riders using the nutrition products they would normally use in the way they normally use them – a free choice.

The level of effort and riding intensity prior to the Time Trial was matched between the two tests. The study was a crossover design, where half the riders followed their own strategy first and two weeks later followed the strategy from High5. The other half of the riders did the reverse.

The riders Personal Feeding Strategies (SE) involved a wide range of products including: Energy drinks from Squeezy, PowerBar and Megadyn Sports, as well as simply Coke or Water. Common foods used were bananas and cereal bars, supplemented by gels from PowerBar, Squeezy and Liquid Energy Protein.

Results: The results of the test were highly significant. The High5 Scientific Nutrition Strategy (WE) resulted in an average 8min 12sec faster time per rider during the 64km (40mile) time trial (average 28W increase in power output).

Body weight with the High5 Scientific Nutrition Strategy (WE) stayed near constant. During the riders own Personal Feeding Strategy (SE) there was a significant drop in the body weight due to dehydration. This suggests that riders were better hydrated when using the High5 strategy.