Novel evidence on the effect of tramadol on self-paced high-intensity cycling

The use of tramadol is a controversial topic in cycling. In order to provide novel evidence on this issue, we tested 29 participants pre-loaded cycling time trial (TT; 20-min TT preceded by 40-min constant work-rate at 60% the VO2max) after ingesting 100 mg (vs placebo and paracetamol (1.5 g)). Participants performed Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) rest Sustained Attention Response (SART) during 60 min exercise. Oscillatory electroencephalography (EEG) activity was measured throughout results showed higher mean power output vs. condition, but no reliable difference reported between (nor placebo). Tramadol resulted faster responses PVT heart rate main effect substance SART workload (no TT), with slower reaction time, better accuracy for than placebo. This study supports increased behavioural neural efficiency not proposed ergogenic or cognitive (harmful) (vs. placebo) self-paced high-intensity