OS EFEITOS ERGOGÊNICOS DO ENXAGUE BUCAL EM ATLETAS: UMA REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

Recently, exercise physiology research has focused on optimizing athletic performance, emphasizing the importance of dietary supplementation and nutritional management. A notable strategy gaining prominence is mouth rinsing with solutions containing carbohydrates, caffeine, and other substances, a simple approach that avoids gastrointestinal and psychological complications associated with liquid ingestion. While preliminary evidence suggests benefits such as increased endurance and reduced fatigue in elite athletes, there is a notable discrepancy between studies reporting efficacy, creating gaps in the literature. This integrative review sought to investigate the effects of mouth rinsing in athletes, spanning various sports modalities and providing practical insights for athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals. The methodology included an extensive search in specific databases, resulting in 20 selected studies for discussion. The results highlighted that mouth rinsing with carbohydrates can enhance performance in endurance exercises, while mouth rinsing with caffeine showed positive effects, especially in high intensity and short-duration activities. The review emphasized the influence of different protocols, substances used, types of exercises, and assessment criteria on the heterogeneity of results. Despite variability, a thorough understanding of these interventions holds potential for personalized and effective strategies in enhancing athletic performance. The conclusion underscores the need for further research to fully elucidate the effects and mechanisms of these interventions, addressing future perspectives in this dynamic field.