What is the Effect of Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) Ingestion on Exercise Performance? Current Findings and Future Research Directions

Acute ingestion of acetaminophen improves cognitive and repeated high intensity short-term maximal performance in well-trained female athletes: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

This study examined the effect of acute acetaminophen (ACTP) ingestion on physical performance during the 5 m shuttle run test (5mSRT), attention, mood states, and the perception of perceived exertion (RPE), pain (PP), recovery (PRS), and delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) in well-trained female athletes. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial, fifteen well-trained female athletes (age 21 ± 2 years, height 165 ± 6 cm, body mass 62 ± 5 kg) swallowed either 1.5 g of ACTP or 1.5 g of placebo. The profile of mood states (POMS) and digit cancellation (DCT) were assessed 45 min postingestion, and 5mSRT was performed 60 min postingestion. The RPE and PP were determined immediately after each 30-s repetition of the 5mSRT, and the PRS and DOMS were recorded at 5 min and 24 h post-5mSRT. For the 5mSRT, ACTP ingestion improved the greatest distance (+ 10.88%, p < 0.001), total distance (+ 11.33%, p = 0.0007) and fatigue index (+ 21.43%, p = 0.0003) compared to PLA. Likewise, the DCT score was better on the ACTP (p = 0.0007) than on the PLA. RPE, PP, PRS, and DOMS scores were improved after ACTP ingestion (p < 0.01 for all comparisons) compared to PLA. POMS scores were enhanced with ACTP ingestion compared to PLA (p < 0.01). In conclusion, this study indicates that acute acetaminophen ingestion can improve repeated high intensity short-term maximal performance, attention, mood states, and perceptions of exertion, pain, recovery, and muscle soreness in well-trained female athletes, suggesting potential benefits for their overall athletic performance and mood state.

Effects of Analgesics on Self-Reported Physical Function and Walking Ability in People With Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Hip and knee osteoarthritis are among the leading causes of global disability, and one of the main aims of the management is to improve physical function. The objective of this review was to investigate the effect of analgesics on physical function (self-reported physical function and walking ability).

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the findings were performed. Randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of analgesics on self-reported physical function and walking ability were included. Analgesics were orally administered acetaminophen, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or opioids. Data were pooled in a random-effects model, and the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI was calculated (SMDs: 0.2-0.4 = small, 0.5-0.7 = medium, and ≥0.8 = large effect sizes). The quality of the evidence was evaluated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS

A total of 1454 studies were identified, of which 33 were included. On self-reported physical function, the results showed low- to moderate-quality evidence for a small beneficial effect of acetaminophen (SMD = -0.13 [95% CI = -0.26 to 0.00]), NSAIDs (SMD = -0.32 [95% CI = -0.37 to -0.27]), or opioids (SMD = -0.20 [95% CI = -0.32 to -0.09]). There was moderate-quality evidence for a small effect of NSAIDs on pain during walking (SMD = -0.34 [95% CI = -0.45 to -0.23]).

CONCLUSION

In people with hip or knee osteoarthritis, there was low- to moderate-quality evidence for small beneficial effects of analgesics on physical function and walking ability.

IMPACT

Analgesics may improve physical function by reducing pain during exercise and walking.