NCSF Sport Nutrition Specialist Certification Practice Test – Complete Exam Prep

A carbohydrate mouth rinse can enhance performance during endurance activities, particularly when the duration extends beyond 60 minutes. When exercising for long durations, athletes may experience a decline in energy levels due to glycogen depletion. A carbohydrate mouth rinse is effective as it allows the athlete to experience the taste of carbohydrates without consuming them, which can stimulate the brain and potentially improve performance through central nervous system activation and perceived exertion reduction.

The benefits of a carbohydrate mouth rinse become more pronounced when the exercise duration reaches or exceeds 60 minutes because that's typically when glycogen stores begin to deplete and performance might be adversely affected. While shorter activities—like those lasting 30 minutes—may not significantly benefit from such a rinse as energy demands are less strenuous, activities lasting up to 90 minutes or even 120 minutes may require more substantial carbohydrate intake rather than just a rinse for optimal performance. Therefore, for endurance activities around the 60-minute mark, the carbohydrate mouth rinse is particularly advantageous as a performance aid.