A single dose of dihydrocapsiate does not improve neuromuscular performance in resistance‐trained young adults: A randomised, triple‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial

ABSTRACT Capsinoids may exert ergogenic effects on resistance exercises. However, the acute effects of capsinoids on neuromuscular performance in humans are unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate the acute effects of dihydrocapsiate on lower‐ and upper‐body neuromuscular performance parameters in resistance‐trained individuals. 25 young adults (n = 6 women; age = 26 ± 3 years; body mass index = 24.3 ± 2.8 kg/m2) with ≥ 1‐year resistance training experience were included in this triple‐blind (participants, intervention researchers, and data analysts were blinded), placebo‐controlled, crossover study. Lower‐ and upper‐body ballistic strength (countermovement jump [CMJ] height and bench press throw [BPT] peak velocity), maximum dynamic strength (estimated 1 repetition maximum in squat and bench press [BP]), and strength‐endurance (mean set velocity [squat] and number of repetitions to failure [bench press]) were assessed in 2 independent sessions (≥7 days separation). Participants ingested 12 mg of dihydrocapsiate or placebo 30 min before each trial. We found no significant differences between dihydrocapsiate and placebo conditions in ballistic strength, (CMJ height 33.20 ± 8.07 vs 33.32 ± 7.85 cm; BPT peak velocity 2.82 ± 0.77 vs 2.82 ± 0.74 m/s) maximal dynamic strength (estimated squat 1RM: 123.76 ± 40.63 vs 122.66 ± 40.97 kg; estimated BP 1RM: 99.47 ± 43.09 vs 99.60 ± 43.34 kg), and strength‐endurance (squat mean set velocity 0.66 ± 0.07 vs 0.66 ± 0.05 m/s; number BP repetitions to failure 13.00 ± 3.56 vs 13.00 ± 4.78) (all P ≥ 0.703). We conclude that dihydrocapsiate does not acutely improve neuromuscular performance in trained young adults. Highlights Capsinoids – non‐pungent analogs of capsaicin – have been recently proposed as potential ergogenic compounds in humans. However, the effects of a single dose of capsinoids on neuromuscular performance parameters in humans remains unknown. 12 mg of dihydrocapsiate does not improve neuromuscular performance in resistance‐trained young adults. Dihydrocapsiate should not be recommended as an ergogenic aid to acutely increase neuromuscular performance.