Effects Of Repeated Carbohydrate Rinse On Lacrosse Performance

Abstract

While carbohydrate rinse has been demonstrated to be an effective strategy for improving endurance performance, the effects of rinse on anaerobic performance, particularly within team sport athletes, are equivocal. Additionally, it is not yet known whether repeated carbohydrate rinses in the context of a high intensity training session may provide additional benefit. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of repeated carbohydrate rinse during a typical lacrosse team practice on lacrosse performance. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design was used to determine the effects of carbohydrate rinse on 11 male, division I lacrosse players. Shot velocity and accuracy, 40-yard dash time, and concentration (measured via Trail Making Test) were assessed prior to a typical practice, and the test battery was completed again following practice on two subsequent days of similar intensity/duration. During both practice sessions, the athletes completed 4 rinses (carbohydrate- CHO or placebo-PLA), equally spaced throughout the session, and practice intensity was measured using RPE and HR. Changes from pre-post were calculated for each test and paired t-tests were used to determine differences between groups. RESULTS: Shot velocity and accuracy were significantly reduced following practice, however the reduction in shot accuracy was blunted in the CHO v. PLA (9.01%±14.4 v. 19.49%±21.7, p = 0.01). 40-yard dash was not significantly reduced by the training session, and no differences were detected between groups (CHO: 5.057±0.25 sec v PLA 5.051±0.27 sec). RPE was significantly lower for CHO (9.90±3.41 v. 12.72±2.76, p=0.04) at timepoint 2, but not at any other time. Changes in TMT following practice were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: When used during a typical lacrosse practice, repeated carbohydrate rinse may reduce the effects of fatigue on shot accuracy and perceived exertion, however it does not appear to effect other performance measures.