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Carbohydrate supplementation and perceived exertion during resistance exercise
Alan C Utter1, Jie Kang, David C Nieman
1Department of Health, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina 28608, USA. utterac@appstate.edu
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|November 17, 2005
Summary
Carbohydrate supplementation did not significantly alter perceived exertion during resistance exercise. This study found no major effect of carbohydrate intake on how hard strength-trained individuals felt they were working.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Nutrition
Background:
- Understanding factors influencing perceived exertion is crucial for optimizing resistance training.
- Carbohydrate availability is a key energy substrate during prolonged exercise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of carbohydrate ingestion on perceived exertion during resistance training.
- To determine if carbohydrate supplementation attenuates perceived exertion in strength-trained individuals.
Main Methods:
- Thirty strength-trained subjects were randomized into carbohydrate and placebo groups.
- Subjects performed 2 hours of resistance exercise, consuming either a 6% carbohydrate or placebo beverage.
- Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) for overall body and active muscles were assessed using the Borg scale.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in RPE-O or RPE-AM were observed between groups, except for RPE-O in upright row and back squat (p < 0.05).
- Carbohydrate supplementation did not demonstrate a significant attenuating effect on overall perceived exertion during the resistance training bout.
Conclusions:
- Carbohydrate ingestion does not appear to significantly reduce perceived exertion during prolonged resistance exercise.
- Further research may explore specific exercise types or durations where carbohydrate effects on RPE might be more pronounced.