Research summary · Nutrition and energy
A carbohydrate rinse increased repetitions in a grappling-specific endurance test
Fourteen elite male judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes performed three bouts of a judogi-grip endurance test with three-minute rests. They used either a 6.4% maltodextrin rinse or placebo before warm-up and before each bout in separate crossover conditions.
- Publication year
- 2026
- First published online
- Publication type
- Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial
- Journal
- Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism
- Population / context
- Judo · Brazilian jiu-jitsu · Elite male grappling athletes
What the publication reports
The carbohydrate condition produced more total repetitions than placebo (P=0.03). Perceived effort and maximal handgrip strength did not differ significantly. The result supports a possible acute, task-specific endurance effect rather than a general increase in strength or proof of improved competitive fighting performance.
Limits and interpretation
This was a single small study in men, using a laboratory test rather than bouts against opponents. Confidence in the size and reproducibility of benefit is limited, and the study does not establish effects across repeated competition days. Rinsing does not supply meaningful energy or replace meals and fluids.
Read the source
Consult the original record for the full author list, methods, references, funding and competing-interest disclosures.
Carbohydrate mouth rinse increases total repetitions in intermittent upper-body endurance test for combat sports athletes: a randomized crossover trial
Original publication / indexed recordPMID: 41926079DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2025-0434Full text at the sourceReader discussion
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