Does a broad-spectrum cannabidiol supplement improve performance in a 10-min cycle ergometer performance-test?

Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid which has been proposed to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Given the potential for perceptions of pain to limit exercise performance, the aim of the present study was to investigate if 3 weeks of daily CBD supplementation (150 mg day^-1) improved performance in a 10-min performance-trial on a cycle ergometer. In a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study, 22 healthy participants (n = 11 male and n = 11 female) completed two 10-min performance trials on a WattBike cycle ergometer interspersed with a 3-week supplementation period. Supplementation involved either 150 mg day^-1 oral CBD or 150 mg day^-1 of a visually identical placebo (PLA). During trials, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE [6-20]), heart rate (HR) and blood lactate (BLa) were collected every 2 min. Mean power (W) was also taken throughout the exercise at each time point. All data were analyzed using two-way ANOVAs. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between CBD or PLA groups for mean power (W) during the 10-min performance trial. There were also no significant differences (P > 0.05) in any of the physiological or perceptual parameters (HR, BLa and RPE) between conditions. Three weeks supplementation of a broad-spectrum CBD supplement did not improve performance via any change in RPE during a 10-min time trial on a cycle ergometer, and as such, this evidence does not support the claim that broad-spectrum CBD supplements could be performance-enhancing in this exercise modality.

Keywords: RPE; anti‐doping; performance; supplementation.

FIGURE 1

Schematic of experimental procedures.

FIGURE 2

Average and individual (A) total distance covered (km) and (B) average 10‐min power (W) pre–post supplementation in the placebo and cannabidiol groups, respectively.

FIGURE 3

Pre–post supplementation changes in mean power (W) for PLA (A) and CBD (B). Pre–post supplementation changes in mean heart rate (b^.min⁻¹) for PLA (C) and CBD (D). Pre–post supplementation changes in blood lactate (mmol^.L⁻¹) for PLA (E) and CBD (F). Pre–post supplementation changes in RPE (AU; Borg 6–20) for PLA (G) and CBD (H). CBD, cannabidiol; PLA, placebo.