But back on November 12th the Journal of Applied Physiology published a study on cyclist who performed two time trials; one 45 minutes after given the acetaminophen and the other 45 minutes after receiving a placebo. With the acetaminophen, cyclist averaged a higher power output by 10 watts (see Fig 1.), blood lactate (6.1 compared to 5.1 mmol/l ) and heart rate resulting in a 30 second (2%) decrease in total time compared to the placebo time trial. (While a 2% improvement in time may not sound like much, ask the 4th, 5th and 6th place finishers in any race if they'd take a 2% increase in their time.) A similar study found cyclists given acetaminophen were able to cycle 32% longer than the control group before their power output feel to below 70% of their initial value.
So why would acetaminophen allowed the cyclist to push themselves harder and fast over the 10 miles? The authors (Mauger, Jones and Williams) speculate muscle fatigue not only involves problems with the muscles but is also influenced from output from the brain. The hypothesis is that our brain intentionally causes the muscles to fatigue as a protective mechanism before more serious problems occur with the heart or other organs. Acetaminophen blocks nerve receptors designed to provide the brain with pain feedback from the muscles. Less feedback means greater ability to sustain a higher intensity level.
The bottom line is as long you don't use tainted Tylenol acetaminophen you might be able to exercise harder without additional muscle pain.
3 comments:
Sounds interesting but I am past the need to push myself any farther that I am doing now.
That sounds nuts! If I were ever working hard enough to even try that, I might give it a try.
My problems are solved, some of them anyway. Maybe I'll try it on my next ski day with Sam. I'll show her who is fast...
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