Beverage carbohydrate concentration influences the intermittent endurance capacity of adolescent team games players during prolonged intermittent running

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of consuming a 2, 6, and 10% carbohydrate-electrolyte (CHO-E) solution on the intermittent endurance capacity and sprint performance of adolescent team games players. Seven participants (five males and two females; mean age 13.3 ± 0.5 years, height 1.71 ± 0.05 m, body mass (BM) 62.0 ± 6.3 kg) performed three trials separated by 3-7 days. In each trial, they completed four 15-min periods of part A of the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) followed by an intermittent run to exhaustion (part B). Participants consumed 5 ml kg(-1) BM of the solution during the 5-min pre-exercise period, and a further 2 ml kg(-1) BM every 15 min during part A of the LIST. Intermittent endurance capacity increased by 34% with ingestion of the 6% CHO-E solution compared with the 10% solution (5.5 ± 0.8 vs. 4.1 ± 1.5 min, P < 0.05), equating to a distance of 931 ± 172 versus 706 ± 272 m (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the 2% (4.8 ± 1.2 min) and 6% (P = 0.10) or the 2 and 10% solutions (P = 0.09). Carbohydrate concentration did not significantly influence mean 15-m sprint time (P = 0.38). These results suggest that the carbohydrate concentration of an ingested solution influences the intermittent endurance capacity of adolescent team games players with a 6% solution significantly more effective than a 10% solution.

Curvilinear Dose–Response Relationship of Carbohydrate (0–120 g·h−1) and Performance

“…Similarly, a recent study demonstrated greater endurance capacity when ingesting moderate-CHO solutions as compared to low-and high-CHO solutions (26).…”

Effects of carbohydrate combined with caffeine on repeated sprint cycling and agility performance in female athletes

“…It is common practice for team sport athletes to consume carbohydrate (CHO) to improve intermittent exercise capacity [5,6] and endurance performance [7,8], which is thought to occur via central nervous system (CNS) activation and other potential mechanisms such as higher rates of CHO oxidation [9,10]. Another ergogenic aid that has routinely been used by athletes is caffeine (CAF) [11].…”

Carbohydrate Supplementation and Prolonged Intermittent High-Intensity Exercise in Adolescents

“…In a follow up study, Phillips et al [43] investigated the influence of different carbohydrate concentrations (2%, 6%, and 10% maltodextrin solutions) on the same variables as their initial study. The identical exercise protocol and measurements, and the fact that the participants (n = 7, 5 males and 2 females) all took part in the first study, strengthens between-study comparisons.…”

“…[44] The age range and maturation status of participants was similar to the previous investigations. Body-mass relative gel ingestion rate was equal to that of Phillips et al [42] and Phillips et al [43] (6% trial), enabling a direct comparison between the efficacy of an isoenergetic carbohydrate solution and gel. [44] The carbohydrate gel significantly increased mean time to exhaustion by 21.1%, with no treatment effect on sprint time or physiological responses.…”

“…Based on these criteria, five articles were selected. [40][41][42][43][44] 2. Carbohydrate supplementation immediately before and during prolonged intermittent, high-intensity exercise in adolescent team games players…”