Aspirin's Effect on Power?

JohnMeyers said:

Hello,
I went on a "spirited" group ride yesterday. It was one that was quite cold, and I had a sore neck. I had read at an earlier date that the blood thinning properties of aspirin would increase circulation to the extremities, and thus keep them warmer. So, I popped a couple aspirin (instead of the usual ibuprofen). The result: My neck was less sore, and I think my feet were a bit warmer. However, it seemed my RPE was higher than normal.

After discussing this with a fellow rider, he proclaimed that the reason I felt like [censored], was probably BECAUSE of the thinned blood. He thought thinner blood would mean that my heart would have to pump more volume (faster) to push out the same amount of O2, nutrients, etc.

Is this a reasonable assumption? I stopped training with heart rate a month ago 🙄, maybe I should go back for reasons such as this.

Are there any physiological studies that revolve around athlete performance and Aspirin?

NP for the first 1:20 (1 hr, 20 minutes) was 315. My FT is ~330.

Thanks!

I really don't know if aspirin has an effect on power, but an IF of .955 for 1:20 probably should feel pretty hard (although definitely not all out). Perhaps this group ride was just quicker than normal.

I looked again at the numbers from the ride, and peak 60 minute normalized was 326 watts... IF = .988

I guess that would be a pretty near maximal effort, presuming my FT is in fact 330...

Regardless, I guess I would still like to know if there are any studies on aspirin and its physiological effects relative to exercise.

JohnMeyers said:

I looked again at the numbers from the ride, and peak 60 minute normalized was 326 watts... IF = .988

I guess that would be a pretty near maximal effort, presuming my FT is in fact 330...

Regardless, I guess I would still like to know if there are any studies on aspirin and its physiological effects relative to exercise.

There's this which is worth a look: http://www.gssiweb.com/reflib/refs/40/d0000000200000148.cfm?pid=38

ric

Quoted post said:

I had read at an earlier date that the blood thinning properties of aspirin would increase circulation to the extremities, and thus keep them warmer. So, I popped a couple aspirin (instead of the usual ibuprofen). The result: My neck was less sore, and I think my feet were a bit warmer. However, it seemed my RPE was higher than normal.

After discussing this with a fellow rider, he proclaimed that the reason I felt like [censored], was probably BECAUSE of the thinned blood. He thought thinner blood would mean that my heart would have to pump more volume (faster) to push out the same amount of O2, nutrients, etc.

Aspirin does not thin the blood. It inhibits platelet aggregation (one of the componants of blood clotting). As such, it has absolutely no effect on hemodynamics, or circulation in non-pathologic circumstances.

All NSAIDS work as anti-inflamatories, and there is some evidence (though it's weak) that NSAIDS may inhibit protein synthesis. That is only an issue in terms of recovery (and again, what happens to protein synthesis in vitro does not mean it has an effect in vivo).

I agree with Ric, the ride felt hard becuase it was. And your feet feeling a bit warmer was just a coincidence =).

Scott

I don't know about aspirin but I found that eating the hearts of my foes gives me their strength.

Squint said:

I don't know about aspirin but I found that eating the hearts of my foes gives me their strength.

LOL. Strength's not a factor for endurance cycling performance. Does anyone know where someone's 'power' is housed. :p

frenchyge said:

LOL. Strength's not a factor for endurance cycling performance. Does anyone know where someone's 'power' is housed. :p

Hard to localize "power" so best to eat them whole, though to avoid getting spongiform encephalopathy the brain and spinal tissue should be avoided.

Assuming the placebo effect actual did divert blood flow to the extremities making them feel warmer it would mean blood flow was diverted away from working muscles. A slight effect but could be enough to make you feel worse.