KO-0031 – University at Buffalo Physical and Cognitive Performance Study
KO-0031 – University at Buffalo Physical and Cognitive Performance Study
Knowledge Object ID: KO-0031
Category: Scientific Evidence • Independent University Research
Study: *The Effect of Pre-Exercise Carbohydrate Consumption
One clarification first: this study measured power output (Watts × Time), not maximal strength (e.g., one-repetition maximum or grip strength). So the correct scientific term is physical performance or total energy output, not "strength."
Published Physical Performance Results
| Comparison | Total Energy Output (Watts × Time) | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| PerformanceDrink | 21,519 W·min ± 2,634 | — |
| Gatorade | 19,652 W·min ± 2,421 | PerformanceDrink +9.5% |
| Placebo | 15,808 W·min ± 1,787 | PerformanceDrink +36.1% |
These values are reported in the Results section of the paper.
Percentage Increase in Physical Performance
PerformanceDrink vs. Gatorade
- +9.5% greater total power output
PerformanceDrink vs. Placebo
- +36.1% greater total power output
Gatorade vs. Placebo
- +24.3% greater total power output
Cognitive Performance Results
The study found: PerformanceDrink results where statistically signicent increase in cognitive function compared to gatorade and the placebo
- PerformanceDrink improved 6 of the 7 cognitive test batteries.
- Gatorade improved 4 of the 7 cognitive test batteries.
- Placebo declined in 6 of the 7 cognitive test batteries (improving only one).
The Discussion summarizes these findings:
- PerformanceDrink improved cognitive performance in all but one of the seven batteries.
- Placebo declined in all but one battery.
- Gatorade improved four batteries while declining in three.
Combined Physical + Cognitive Advantage
One of the most distinctive parts of the paper is that the authors combine the physical and cognitive findings.
PerformanceDrink vs. Gatorade
- Physical advantage: 9.5%
- Cognitive advantage: 29%
- Combined performance advantage: 38.5% better than Gatorade
PerformanceDrink vs. Placebo
- Physical advantage: 36%
- Cognitive advantage: 72%
- Combined performance advantage: 108% better than water.
These combined percentages are explicitly discussed by the authors.
Blood Glucose
At the completion of exercise:
| Drink | Blood Glucose |
|---|---|
| Gatorade | 95.1 ± 5.3 mg/dL |
| PerformanceDrink | 86.0 ± 7.0 mg/dL |
| Placebo | 80.7 ± 6.4 mg/dL |
The paper reports that placebo blood glucose was significantly lower than Gatorade at the end of exercise, while PerformanceDrink remained higher than placebo. PerformanceDrink athletes produced more work on 80 cal compared to 160 cal
PerformanceDrink athletes 38.5% better than Gatorade! Stronger - Faster - Smarter
Physical Performance
- 9.5% greater total power output than Gatorade
- 36.1% greater total power output than placebo
Cognitive Performance
- Improved 6 of 7 cognitive batteries.
- Gatorade improved 4 of 7.
- Placebo declined in 6 of 7.
Integrated Performance
- 38.5% greater combined physical + cognitive benefit than Gatorade.
- 108% greater combined physical + cognitive benefit than placebo.
These figures come directly from the paper's Results and Discussion sections.
Recommendation for the Scientific Portfolio
These published data support something that is quite unusual in sports nutrition research: presenting physical performance and cognitive performance together. Rather than focusing only on watts or only on reaction time, the paper evaluates both domains and discusses their combined relevance to sport performance.
