Joseph Lobo, Teejay D. Panganiban, Jasper Jay N. Mendoza, Jem Cloyd M. Tanucan, Vlad Adrian Geantă, Mert Kurnaz, Edi Setiawan, Novri Gazali, Swamynathan Sanjaykumar
This study compared the effects of energy drink and chocolate pre-workout intake on cardiovascular endurance, blood pressure, heart rate, and recovery in 42 collegiate athletes. Participants were divided into the Energy Drink Group (EDG) and Chocolate Group (CG) and underwent Beep Tests to evaluate cardiovascular endurance. Results revealed sex-specific responses: females in the EDG significantly improved cardiovascular endurance, while improvements in males across both groups were nonsignificant. The CG demonstrated significant cardiovascular endurance enhancements without the adverse effects observed in the EDG, such as elevated blood pressure and heart rate. Notably, the EDG exhibited superior heart rate recovery post-exercise, a benefit less pronounced in the CG. These findings suggest that while energy drinks facilitate immediate cardiac recovery, chocolate offers a more favorable impact on cardiovascular endurance without negatively affecting cardiovascular parameters. Future studies should examine a broader range of commercially available energy drinks and chocolate snacks commonly consumed by student-athletes. Emphasis on sport-specific testing is recommended to better understand these supplements' effects on athletic performance across diverse sporting contexts. © 2025, Campus EDUCA SPORTIS S.L.. All rights reserved.
College of Sports, Exercise and Recreation, Bulacan State University, Philippines; Batangas State University TNEU, Philippines; College of Education, Tarlac State University, Philippines; Cebu Technological University, Philippines; Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad, Romania; Faculty of Sports Sciences, Haliç University, Turkey; Department of Physical Education, Health and Recreation, PSDKU, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia; Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Islam Riau, Indonesia; Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, India
