Ribose versus dextrose supplementation, association with rowing performance: a double-blind study.
OBJECTIVE
It has been hypothesized that ribose supplementation rapidly replenishes adenosine triphosphate stores and thereby improves exercise performance. We compared the effects of ribose versus dextrose on rowing performance.


METHODS
Double-blind randomized trial.


METHODS
Rowing team training area of large midwestern university.


METHODS
Thirty-one women collegiate rowers.


METHODS
We studied the effects of ribose versus dextrose supplementation (10 g each in 8 oz water) for 8 weeks before and after practice and 2000-m time trials. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: In the time trials, the dextrose group showed significantly more improvement at 8 weeks than the ribose group (median, 15.2 vs. 5.2 s; P = 0.031).


CONCLUSIONS
We doubt ribose impaired, and hypothesize dextrose enhanced, rowing performance. Further research is needed to define what role, if any, dextrose and ribose play as athletic supplements.
Dunne
Laura
L
Sports Medicine Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Worley
Sarah
S
Macknin
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D005947:Glucose / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D012266:Ribose / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012767:Ships; D013177:Sports
D012266:Ribose; D005947:Glucose