INFLUENCE OF CARBOHYDRATE INGESTION ON PHYSICAL AND MENTAL FUNCTION DURING INTERMITTENT HIGH-INTENSITY EXERCISE TO FATIGUE

Abstract

484 This study was designed to determine the effects of carbohydrate supplementation on physical and mental tasks associated with the performance of intermittent high-intensity (IHI) exercise similar to many common competitive sporting events. Physically active men (n=5) and women (n=5), experienced in sports such as soccer/basketball completed 3 practice sessions and 2 experimental trials of an IHI shuttle running protocol designed to closely mimic the demands of an actual competitive sporting event such as basketball. The experimental sessions consisted of four 15 min quarters (QTR) of intermittent shuttle running at various percentages of VO2max (walking, jogging, running, sprinting and jumping) separated by a 20 min half time rest period and followed by a shuttle run to fatigue. Various tests of physical (shuttle run to fatigue, 20 meter maximal sprint, and 10 repetition maximal vertical jumping) and mental function (whole body motor skill test (MS-test), profile of mood states (POMS) and Stroop color-word test) were performed throughout the experimental trial. Carbohydrate (CHO) or Placebo (P) drinks were consumed prior to exercise (5 ml/kg; 6% soln) and at half time (18% soln). Smaller volumes (3 ml/kg) were given following QTR-1, Half, QTR-3, and QTR-4. Results: CHO supplementation resulted in a 37% longer run time to fatigue, and faster 20 m sprint times during QTR-4 (p<0.05). In addition, MS-test performance was improved with CHO ingestion and perception of fatigue (subscale of POMS) was decreased (p<0.05). These results suggest a beneficial role of CHO supplementation on physical as well as mental performance tasks that are similar to the demands of many common competitive sporting events involving intermittent high-intensity exercise. Supported by Gatorade Sports Science Institute