Menthol mouth rinsing does not improve running performance at different temperature ranges

The dataset from this study pertains to the impact of L-menthol (MEN) mouth rinsing (MR) on running performance and psychophysiological responses during a 10-km time trial in different temperature conditions. The study was conducted with eight male participants (mean age = 34 ± 4 years; VO2max = 64.5 ± 5.5 ml/kg/min) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design.

Participants completed a total of seven 10-km running time trials (three at 22°C, two at 28°C, and two at 34°C) under three experimental conditions: control (CON; only at 22°C), placebo (PLA), and L-menthol (MEN). The data include 10-km performance times for each condition and temperature, as well as psychophysiological measures such as thermal sensation, comfort, perceived effort, and affective response.

Results indicated that there were no significant differences in performance times between MEN and PLA across all temperature conditions (P > 0.05), although MEN showed a non-significant trend towards faster times at 28°C (54 seconds faster) and at 34°C (36 seconds faster). Psychophysiological measures varied during the trials but were not significantly influenced by MEN mouth rinsing.