Acute phenylcapsaicin supplementation improves CrossFit® performance: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background Phenylcapsaicin (PC) may enhance high-intensity exercise performance by reducing perceived exertion, increasing mechanical output, and limiting muscle damage, making it potentially beneficial for CrossFit® (CF) athletes.Objective To examine the acute effects of PC supplementation on performance, recovery, and metabolic responses during a CF session.Methods This study had a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. Fifty CF-trained athletes (50% women) ingested either 2.5 mg of PC or a placebo (PLA) 45 minutes before a standardized CF session, including a warm-up, weightlifting block, and WOD. Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) was assessed 24- and 48-hours post-session. Countermovement jump (CMJ) was evaluated pre- and post-session, while a deep squat at 70% 1RM was performed post-session. Throughout the session, heart rate, capillary lactate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and perceived recovery status (PRS) were monitored.Results Compared to PLA, PC improved squat performance at 70% 1RM in both load and repetitions (P ≤ 0.035), attenuated the decline in CMJ (P < 0.001), and maintained weightlifting performance over time (P interaction = 0.011), with significantly higher load in round 9 (P = 0.030). No differences were observed during the WOD (P interaction ≥ 0.826). DOMS was significantly lower in the PC group at both 24 h and 48 h (P = 0.030), while no group differences were found for lactate, RPE, PRS, or heart rate (P interaction ≥ 0.340). Analysis stratified by sex showed that PC reduced CMJ loss in men (P = 0.043) and increased squat load in women (P = 0.021).Conclusion In conclusion, acute PC supplementation enhances performance and recovery in CF athletes.
Institutions: Universidad de La Laguna, Universidad de Granada, Universitat de València, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, Universidad Europea de Canarias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red
Language: English
Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,490
OpenAlex ID: W7124240453