NCT06990022

Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse (Small-Sided Soccer Games)

Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse Reduces Perceived Exertion and Mental Fatigue, and Improves Technical Actions During Small-Sided Soccer Games

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 16 (actual)
• Sponsor: Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Male
• Age: 14 Years – 16 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The present study evaluated the influence of carbohydrate mouth-rinsing (CHO- MR) and placebo (PLA) conditions on the psychophysiological responses, kinematic profiles, and technical performance of young male soccer players in 4-Small sided games (SSGs). The study participants were involved in a randomized, double-blind, repeated-measures design that employed 3 sessions (familiarization, CHOMR and PLA) over fifteen days at a testing facility. Participants took part in two test sessions one week apart. CHO solution was a maltodextrin-based mixture containing 6.4% maltodextrin (Protein Ocean, Türkiye). The PLA solution consisted of pure water. Both solutions were made indistinguishable by incorporating 50 mg of a non-calorific artificial sweetener and 50 mg og sucralose (Fibrelle, Türkiye). A 25-ml bolus of 6.4% maltodextrin solution was utilized in a pre-weighed plastic cup, with sucralose water tested as PLA for each rinse solution.

Detailed description

The current study used a double-blind, randomized, and counterbalanced crossover design to compare the effects of CHOMR or PLA on psychophysiological, kinematic responses and technical actions during 4-a-side SSGs. The study intervention programs lasted the same time of the day during separate training sessions in the in-season to avoid various chronobiological factors. The average temperature was 30 °C, with a relative humidity of 35% of the baseline assessments. Second assessments were recorded that the average temperature was 31 °C with a 35% relative humidity. Before the SSGs sessions, anthropometric characteristics were assessed. Players also completed the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (YYIRTL-1) to balance the groups and equally distribute players among SSGs teams based on maximal oxygen uptake ( 2max). The order of different SSGs (CHOMR or PLA) and solutions (MR or PLA) was determined by randomization (www.randomization.com). Each SSGs was separated at least one week apart to minimize the potential negative impact of physical and psychological fatigue on game performance. Continuous monitoring and recording of the heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), enjoyment and mental fatigue (MF), kinematic responses, and technical actions were conducted during all SSGs. Mood responses were assessed before and after each SSGs. UEFA A licenced strength and conditioning coaches consistently implemented all SSGs sessions on an artificial soccer pitch with verbal coach encouragement.

Conditions

• Performance
• Soccer
• Carbohydrate
• Mental Fatigue
• Technical Skill

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Carbohydrate	CHO solution was a maltodextrin-based mixture containing 6.4% maltodextrin (Protein Ocean, Türkiye). An CHOMR was performed prior to SSGs. The solution was sweetened with non-caloric artificial sweeteners consisting of sucralose. The CHO solution was prepared in an equivalent saccharin base and shaken for 30 seconds in a vortex mixer to ensure distinguishability. Participants swished the solution in their mouth for 10 seconds before SSGs and then emptied it back into the container to be weighed again. To ensure that the solutions were not swallowed, the containers were measured before and after all MRs using a full precision balance (Etekcity, USA) accurate to 1 g/0.04 oz
OTHER	Placebo	The PLA solution consisted of purified water. Both solutions were made indistinguishable by adding 50 mg of non-calorific artificial sweetener and 50 mg of sucralose (Fibrelle, Turkey). A 25 ml bolus of 6.4% maltodextrin solution was used in a pre-weighed plastic container and sucralose water was tested as PLA for each rinse solution.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-04-10
• Primary completion: 2025-04-25
• Completion: 2025-04-26
• First posted: 2025-05-25
• Last updated: 2025-05-25

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)