Abstract:
Current research has shown varied results when comparing the effects
of energy drink on anaerobic exercise measures. Athletes in Ghana have been
using energy drink over the time but hardly has any research been conducted
on the effect this pre exercise consumption has on their physical performance.
The purpose of this study was to find out the short term effects of energy drink
on some blood pressure, heart rate, agility, lower body strength and upper
body strength of athletes of the University of Cape Coast. To ascertain this,
participants were taken through agility, overhead medicine ball throw and
vertical jump tests in a pre-test and a post-test. The intervention in this study
was the consumption of 250ml of Red Bull energy drink. Forty-four trained
athletes (Age: 22.32 ± 2.81 years, height: 167.2 ± 9.83 cm, weight: 61.12 ±
8.01 kg). Paired sample t-test results showed no significant effect of energy
drink consumption on systolic blood pressure (t = -0.78, p = 0.437), diastolic
blood pressure (t = -0.91, p = 0.366), heart rate (t = -030, p = 0.759) and lower
body strength (t = 0.11, p = 0.916). However, there were significant changes in
agility (t = 5.42, p = 0.001) and upper body strength (t = -2.79, p = 0.008).
Independent sample t-test showed no effect difference on agility (t = -1.13, p =
0.264) and upper body strength (t = -1.77, p = 0.085) between male and female
participants. In view of this, athletes, trainers, and coaches could consider
recommending the use of energy drink as a pre-exercise supplement,
especially in events involving agility and upper body strength.
