Abstract
Intermittent sports (e.g., team sports) are diverse in their rules and regulations but similar in the pattern of play; that is, intermittent high-intensity movements and the execution of sport-specific skills over a prolonged period of time (~1–2 h). Performance during intermittent sports is dependent upon a combination of anaerobic and aerobic energy systems, both of which rely on muscle glycogen and/or blood glucose as an important substrate for energy production. The aims of this paper are to review: (1) potential biological mechanisms by which carbohydrate may impact intermittent sport performance; (2) the acute effects of carbohydrate ingestion on intermittent sport performance, including intermittent high-intensity exercise capacity, sprinting, jumping, skill, change of direction speed, and cognition; and (3) what recommendations can be derived for carbohydrate intake before/during exercise in intermittent sports based on the available evidence. The most researched intermittent sport is soccer but some sport-specific studies have also been conducted in other sports (e.g., rugby, field hockey, basketball, American football, and racquet sports). Carbohydrate ingestion before/during exercise has been shown in most studies to enhance intermittent high-intensity exercise capacity. However, studies have shown mixed results with regards to the acute effects of carbohydrate intake on sprinting, jumping, skill, change of direction speed, and cognition. In most of these studies the amount of carbohydrate consumed was ~30–60 g/h in the form of a 6%–7% carbohydrate solution comprised of sucrose, glucose, and/or maltodextrin. The magnitude of the impact that carbohydrate ingestion has on intermittent sport performance is likely dependent on the carbohydrate status of the individual; that is, carbohydrate ingestion has the greatest impact on performance under circumstances eliciting fatigue and/or hypoglycemia. Accordingly, carbohydrate ingestion before and during a game seems to have the greatest impact on intermittent sports performance towards the end of the game.
Highlights
Intermittent sports are characterized by intermittent bursts of high-intensity exercise and require the execution of complex sport-specific skills and cognitive tasks over a prolonged period of time („1–2 h), with longer breaks at scheduled intervals as well as unscheduled times
We will discuss all performance outcomes that have been researched in relation to carbohydrate intake by intermittent sport athletes, including intermittent high-intensity exercise capacity, sprinting, jumping, sport-specific skills, change of direction speed, and cognitive function
In one study (employing the Loughborough intermittent shuttle running test (LIST); a protocol mimicking the demands of soccer and similar team sports [32]), muscle biopsy analysis revealed a significant reduction in muscle glycogen concentration in type I and II muscle fibers from before to after exercise
Summary
Intermittent sports (e.g., team sports) are characterized by intermittent bursts of high-intensity exercise and require the execution of complex sport-specific skills and cognitive tasks over a prolonged period of time („1–2 h), with longer breaks at scheduled intervals (e.g., quarters, half time) as well as unscheduled times (e.g., injury or restarting play after scoring in soccer or rugby). Compared with endurance sports, relatively few studies have tested the impact of carbohydrate supplementation during practice or competition on intermittent sport performance. Previous reviews of the effects of carbohydrate ingestion on intermittent sport performance have focused on a single sport or category of intermittent sport or discussed only certain aspects of performance [5,6,7]. In this paper we discuss the effect of carbohydrate ingestion on individual performance in intermittent sports, with the specific objectives of reviewing: (1) potential biological mechanisms by which carbohydrate impacts intermittent sport performance; (2) the effect of carbohydrate ingestion on several aspects of intermittent sport performance, including intermittent high-intensity exercise capacity, sprinting, jumping, skill, change of direction speed, and cognition; and (3) what recommendations can be derived for carbohydrate intake before/during exercise in intermittent sports based on the available evidence
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
