Author(s): PUMPA, K., ANYANGE, J.K., KEARNEY, D., HORNER, K., Institution: UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN, Country: IRELAND, Abstract-ID: 1336

INTRODUCTION:
Sports drinks (SD) are widely consumed by athletes across all levels of competition to support hydration, energy provision and performance. However, research examining the efficacy of SD consumption in female athletes remains limited. The objective of this research was to systematically identify and summarise existing literature that examined performance-related outcomes after the consumption of a SD in female athletes.
METHODS:
A literature search of MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library identified studies investigating the ingestion of carbohydrate–electrolyte solutions or carbohydrate only solutions (hereafter referred to as SD), as defined by Commission Regulations (EU), before, during, or after any sport or exercise activity. Eligible studies reported physiological and/or cognitive performance outcomes in biological female athletes classified as Tier 1 or above according to the Participant Classification Framework (1). Searches were conducted in English; however, peer-reviewed articles published in any language were considered for inclusion. Data were synthesised using a narrative approach, consistent with scoping review methodology.
RESULTS:
A total of 10,167 studies were identified, with 19 included after screening. A total of 156 participants were identified across all studies (3-14 participants per study). Tier 1 to Tier 5 athletes were represented, with the majority classified as Tier 1 or 2. With the exception of one study (carbohydrate only beverage), all SDs contained a combination of carbohydrate (4-7.6%) and electrolytes. The most common comparators were artificially sweetened placebos and water. While narrative synthesis was possible, substantial heterogeneity in exercise protocols, SD profiles and ingestion rates limited comparability across studies. Time trials and time to exhaustion performance tests were typically enhanced with SD consumption. Studies that investigated performance outcomes related to power output did not find any benefits from the consumption of SD before or during exercise. Studies that assessed aspects of cognitive function reported conflicting results. Sport specific performance assessments reported mixed results, with tennis specific sprint test outcomes enhanced with SD consumption, but no performance benefits in collegiate volleyball athletes after the consumption of a SD were identified.
CONCLUSION:
Marked variability in study designs, athlete tier, and outcomes limited synthesis and hindered the ability to draw definitive conclusions regarding the benefits, or not, of SD consumption to enhance performance in female athletes. There is a clear need for adequately powered research in female athletes to evaluate whether SDs and the carbohydrate and electrolyte content of commercially available sports drinks is suitable for female athletes considering the current evidence base.
1. McKay et al., Int J Sports Physiol Perform, 2022. 17(2):317-331.