Maple Syrup for Endurance Cycling Performance
(MAPLE-DR Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether maple syrup can enhance male cyclists' performance during long rides by providing a natural carbohydrate source. Researchers aim to determine if varying amounts of maple syrup improve cycling speed, affect energy metabolism, and cause any stomach issues. Participants will test four drinks: a calorie-free one and three with different maple syrup amounts, to identify the most effective option. Ideal candidates are trained male cyclists who have cycled regularly for over a year and do not have metabolic or stomach issues. The study seeks to help athletes discover natural carbohydrate options for improved performance and comfort during endurance cycling. As an unphased trial, it offers cyclists the chance to explore natural performance enhancements in a controlled setting.
Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial excludes participants who are currently using medications that affect metabolism, so you may need to stop taking such medications to participate.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that using maple syrup as an energy source during exercise is generally well-received. In past studies, athletes enjoyed drinks made with maple syrup during long workouts, suggesting it could serve as a good alternative to regular sports drinks. Reports of serious side effects are uncommon, and maple syrup provides pure energy and may help reduce inflammation. This suggests that maple syrup is generally safe for endurance sports, although individual reactions may vary, especially with higher amounts.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using maple syrup for endurance cycling performance because it offers a natural carbohydrate source with potential benefits over typical sports drinks. Unlike standard sports nutrition options that often contain artificial ingredients, maple syrup is a natural product rich in antioxidants and minerals. The trial explores different dosages—60g, 90g, and 120g of carbohydrates per hour—to see how they impact endurance and fatigue, which could lead to a more tailored nutritional approach for athletes. This could provide athletes with a natural, effective alternative for sustaining energy and reducing fatigue during intense physical activity.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for endurance cycling performance?
Research shows that maple syrup can serve as a natural energy source for endurance athletes. Studies have found that it provides a pure energy boost during long workouts, similar to other carbohydrate-rich sports drinks. Some evidence also suggests it might help reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial during intense exercise. In this trial, participants will receive different dosages of maple syrup, providing 60g, 90g, or 120g of carbohydrates per hour, to evaluate its effectiveness in improving cycling performance. Cyclists have enjoyed maple syrup drinks, viewing them as a good alternative to more common carbohydrate sources. While not yet widely proven, these early findings suggest it could enhance endurance cycling performance.12346
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jonathan Tremblay, PhD
Principal Investigator
Université de Montréal
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for trained male cyclists aged 18-45 with high aerobic capacity and a strong cycling training history. They must not have metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal issues, or conditions that make exercise testing unsafe.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Fitness Testing
Participants complete a fitness test to measure aerobic capacity and practice cycling tests
Treatment
Participants take part in four separate exercise sessions, each involving a different carbohydrate dose or placebo during cycling
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Maple Syrup
Trial Overview
The study tests if maple syrup as a natural carbohydrate improves performance in a 20-km cycling time-trial. It compares the effects of different doses (60g, 90g, and 120g per hour) to a placebo on energy use, stomach comfort, effort perception during exercise.
How Is the Trial Designed?
4
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
The protocol begins with a 10-minute warm-up at 100 W, followed by a 120-minute constant-load cycling phase at 65% PPO, during which the 90 g/h maple syrup solution is consumed every 15 minutes as the main intervention. Neuromuscular fatigue is assessed four times (baseline, 60 min, 120 min into the constant-load, and post-TT) using two 6-second all-out seated sprints (from a 100 W rolling start); these two sprints are separated by a 1-minute active recovery at 100 W, after which the 65% PPO cycling is immediately resumed for the in-exercise timepoints. The constant-load phase is concluded by a 5-minute complete recovery, immediately followed by the 20-km self-paced Time Trial (completed without fluids), with the final set of sprints performed immediately after the TT to assess residual fatigue.
The protocol begins with a 10-minute warm-up at 100 W, followed by a 120-minute constant-load cycling phase at 65% PPO, during which the 60 g/h maple syrup solution is consumed every 15 minutes as the main intervention. Neuromuscular fatigue is assessed four times (baseline, 60 min, 120 min into the constant-load, and post-TT) using two 6-second all-out seated sprints (from a 100 W rolling start); these two sprints are separated by a 1-minute active recovery at 100 W, after which the 65% PPO cycling is immediately resumed for the in-exercise timepoints. The constant-load phase is concluded by a 5-minute complete recovery, immediately followed by the 20-km self-paced Time Trial (completed without fluids), with the final set of sprints performed immediately after the TT to assess residual fatigue.
The protocol begins with a 10-minute warm-up at 100 W, followed by a 120-minute constant-load cycling phase at 65% PPO, during which the 120 g/h maple syrup solution is consumed every 15 minutes as the main intervention. Neuromuscular fatigue is assessed four times (baseline, 60 min, 120 min into the constant-load, and post-TT) using two 6-second all-out seated sprints (from a 100 W rolling start); these two sprints are separated by a 1-minute active recovery at 100 W, after which the 65% PPO cycling is immediately resumed for the in-exercise timepoints. The constant-load phase is concluded by a 5-minute complete recovery, immediately followed by the 20-km self-paced Time Trial (completed without fluids), with the final set of sprints performed immediately after the TT to assess residual fatigue.
The protocol begins with a 10-minute warm-up at 100 W, followed by a 120-minute constant-load cycling phase at 65% PPO, during which the placebo solution (sweetened water, with sotolon for maple taste) is consumed every 15 minutes as the main intervention. Neuromuscular fatigue is assessed four times (baseline, 60 min, 120 min into the constant-load, and post-TT) using two 6-second all-out seated sprints (from a 100 W rolling start); these two sprints are separated by a 1-minute active recovery at 100 W, after which the 65% PPO cycling is immediately resumed for the in-exercise timepoints. The constant-load phase is concluded by a 5-minute complete recovery, immediately followed by the 20-km self-paced Time Trial (completed without fluids), with the final set of sprints performed immediately after the TT to assess residual fatigue.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Université de Montréal
Lead Sponsor
Montreal Heart Institute
Collaborator
Mitacs
Industry Sponsor
Quebec Maple Syrup Producers
Collaborator
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Canada
Collaborator
Quebec Cycling Federation
Collaborator
Citations
Maple Syrup Carbohydrate Dose-Response on 20-km ...
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether maple syrup can be used as a natural carbohydrate source to help trained male cyclists ...
Ingestion of maple-based and other carbohydrate sports drinks
Conclusions. A sports drink containing maple syrup is well appreciated during prolonged exercise and appears to be a viable alternatives to more common sources ...
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4.
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news-medical.net/news/20190403/Canadian-maple-syrup-can-be-used-as-energy-source-during-endurance-exercise.aspxCanadian maple syrup can be used as energy source ...
Canadian maple syrup provides a pure energy source for endurance athletes and can help fight inflammation, according to new research published today.
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