Comparison of low-fat chocolate flavoured milk to the standard practice of care as a recovery intervention in Ironman athletes: A randomised control trial

Abstract

The study compared whether athletes who ingested low-fat chocolate milk (LFCM), or the current standard oral intervention (water and Coca-Colaa) spent the same or shorter times in the end medical tent when presenting with exertional conditions during the 2018 Ironman South Africa (IMSA) triathlon competition. This randomised control trial included 42 athletes (aged 23 to 63 years; 7 Females; 35 Males) who completed the race and entered the medical tent due to an exertional condition. The athletes underwent a baseline assessment and were assigned to either an experimental group (EG: which consumed 350ml LFCM; n=22) or control group (CG: which ingested 350ml water and Coca-Cola; n=20). We determined ratios (After/Before) for all variables, including vital signs, venous blood gas analysis and modified Profile of Mood States (POMS) subscales. Both groups spent similar time-in-tent, recorded similar ratios and recovered as per expectation after strenuous exercise. Athletes in the EG had significantly lower heart rate (HR)(p=0.003), systolic blood pressure (p=0.041), pH (p<0.001), and POMS Fatigue-Inertia (p<0.001) after the recovery period, while partial pressure carbon dioxide (p<0.001), potassium (p=0.001), glucose (p=0.039), and POMS Vigour-Activity (p=0.023) readings increased significantly. Athletes in the CG had significantly lower HR (p<0.001) and POMS Fatigue-inertia (p=0.008) readings after the recovery period. Compared to current standard oral intervention, athletes with exertional conditions who drank LFCM did not experience any side effects or spend longer times in the final medical tent. Low-fat chocolate milk may be an acceptable alternative to conventional carbonated beverages and an optional oral recovery drink for ultra-endurance athletes in the medical tent.