Supplementation with a Multi-ingredient Pre-workout Supplement does not Augment Resistance Training Adaptations in Females

Multiple ingredient pre-workout supplements (MIPS) are purported to offer favorable acute metabolic changes potentially leading to improvements in body composition and training adaptations over time. However, there is limited information available regarding the long-term benefits and safety of consuming MIPS, specifically in female populations. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pre-workout ingestion on body composition, training adaptations and select markers of clinical health in recreationally active females after 7 weeks of supplementation and resistance training. Nineteen participants participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study. Experimental testing included resting heart rate and blood pressure, blood lipid panels, body composition, resting metabolic testing and performance measurements before and after a seven-week resistance training program while ingesting either a MIPS or placebo once daily. There were no significant group x time interactions for changes in body fat percentage (p=0.66), fat-free mass (p=0.87), fat mass (p=0.63) or resting metabolic rate (p=0.52). Both groups showed significant improvements in upper (p<0.001) and lower body (p<0.001) maximal strength following the 7-week training period however no differences in upper (p=0.74) and lower body (p=0.53) strength improvements were observed between groups, respectively. No significant group x time interactions were observed for any of the markers of clinical health. In conclusion, the current study suggests that daily consumption of a MIPS does not enhance training adaptations in recreationally active females and does not appear to negatively affect resting blood pressure, heart rate and blood lipids.