ATP supplementation may mitigate post-exercise cognitive dysfunction, says recent study

Photo © AdobeStock.com/Jacob Lund

A recent study published in Frontiers of Nutrition¹ found that supplementation with a branded adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) called PeakATP improved visuomotor reaction time following high intensity sprint exercise. In the double-blind, counter-balanced, crossover designed study, 22 adults were randomized to receive either 400 mg of ATP or placebo for 14 days. Subjects completed a three-minute all-out test on a cycle ergometer (3MT) and researchers measured visuomotor reaction time using Dynavision D2 Proactive (Mode A) and Reactive (Mode B) tasks, multiple object tracking (MOT) assessment with Neurotracker, mood with the Profile of Mood States Questionnaire (POMS), and cognition with Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) before, immediately after, and 60 minutes post-3MT.

Results showed that, compared to placebo, supplementation with ATP attenuated declines in average reaction time and significantly improved average reaction time in tests of visuomotor reaction time. Thi was demonstrated by the Dynavision D2 tasks in which illuminated targets serve as visual stimuli and subjects are required to strike them in order to extinguish the light. In the Mode A task, the light remains illuminated until the button is struck by the subject, and participants had to successfully identify and strike as many stimuli as possible in 60 seconds. In the Mode B task, the light only remained illuminated for one second before changing position. It also includes a cognitive stressor in the form of a five-digit number the subjects are required to recite during the test. In Mode B, researchers measure hits, misses, and reaction time.

In the Mode A task, supplementation with ATP significantly attenuated declines in hits and average reaction time. In the Mode B tasks, ATP supplementation significantly reduced the number of misses. Researchers observed no differences between ATP and placebo with regard to MOT, POMS or ANAM. The researchers concluded that because supplements helped maintain proactive reaction time and improve reaction time after high intensity exercise, the results suggest that ATP may mitigate exercise-induced cognitive dysfunction.

“We’ve always understood how PEAK ATP works as a pre workout supplement. But we’ve also heard from athletes and previous study participants that they feel better and have less brain fog, post exercise with this ingredient,” explained TSI Group president Larry Kolb, in a press release. “That’s why this study came to life. We wanted to see if there was something measurable going on.”

“Professional athletes understand the importance of not having their reaction time decline at crucial times,” Kolb added. “Improved cognitive benefits and reaction times, after participating in a high-intensity activity for a while, are good for team athletes as well as golfers, tennis players and anyone else who needs to maintain their focus throughout a match or game.”

Reference

1. Moon, J.M.; Dufner, T.J.; Wells, A.J. Evaluating the effects of PeakATP supplementation on visuomotor reaction time and cognitive function following high-intensity sprint exercise Front. Nutr. 2023, 10. DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1237678