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Novel evidence on the effect of tramadol on self-paced high-intensity cycling

Zandonai, Thomas, Holgado, Darias, Ciria, Luis, Zabala, Mikel, Hopker, James G., Bekinschtein, Tristan A., Sanabria, Daniel (2021) Novel evidence on the effect of tramadol on self-paced high-intensity cycling. Journal of Sports Sciences, 39 (13). pp. 1452-1460. E-ISSN 1466-447X. (doi:10.1080/02640414.2021.1877440) (KAR id:85824)

Abstract

The use of tramadol is a controversial topic in cycling. In order to provide novel evidence on this issue, we tested 29 participants in a pre-loaded cycling time trial (TT; a 20-min TT preceded by 40-min of constant work-rate at 60% of the VO2max) after ingesting 100 mg of tramadol (vs placebo and paracetamol (1.5 g)). Participants performed the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) at rest and a Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) during the 60 min of exercise. Oscillatory electroencephalography (EEG) activity was measured throughout the exercise. The results showed higher mean power output during the 20-min TT in the tramadol vs. paracetamol condition, but no reliable difference was reported between tramadol and placebo (nor paracetamol vs. placebo). Tramadol resulted in faster responses in the PVT and higher heart rate during exercise. The main effect of substance was reliable in the SART during the 40-min constant workload (no during the 20-min TT), with slower reaction time, but better accuracy for tramadol and paracetamol than for placebo. This study supports the increased behavioural and neural efficiency at rest for tramadol but not the proposed ergogenic or cognitive (harmful) effect of tramadol (vs. placebo) during self-paced high-intensity cycling.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1080/02640414.2021.1877440
Uncontrolled keywords: Analgesics, opioids, paracetamol, sport performance, sustained attention, painkillers
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation. Leisure > Sports sciences
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Sport and Exercise Sciences
Depositing User: James Hopker
Date Deposited: 04 Feb 2021 09:19 UTC
Last Modified: 23 Jan 2022 00:00 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/85824 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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