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Fluid provision and metabolic responses to soccer-specific exercise
N D Clarke1, B Drust, D P M Maclaren
1Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Henry Cotton Campus, 15-21 Webster Street, Liverpool L3 2ET, UK. n.d.clarke@ljmu.ac.uk
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|September 11, 2008
Summary
Ingesting carbohydrates during soccer exercise impacts metabolism. However, altering the timing and volume of carbohydrate intake does not change metabolic responses, though smaller, frequent fluid intakes reduce gut fullness.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Optimizing carbohydrate intake is crucial for athletic performance.
- Understanding the metabolic effects of different carbohydrate ingestion strategies during exercise is essential for athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how altering the timing and volume of carbohydrate ingestion affects metabolism during soccer-specific exercise.
- To compare the metabolic responses to continuous versus intermittent carbohydrate-electrolyte ingestion.
Main Methods:
- Twelve male soccer players completed a soccer-specific exercise protocol.
- Participants ingested either a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution or a placebo.
- Carbohydrate solutions were administered either in two large doses or six small, frequent doses.
Main Results:
- Carbohydrate ingestion significantly increased blood glucose, insulin, and carbohydrate oxidation while decreasing non-esterified fatty acids, glycerol, and fat oxidation.
- No significant differences in metabolic responses were observed between the two carbohydrate ingestion schedules.
- Consuming smaller fluid volumes at regular intervals significantly reduced feelings of gut fullness.
Conclusions:
- When total carbohydrate volume is consistent, manipulating the timing and volume of ingestion does not alter metabolic responses during soccer exercise.
- Frequent, small-volume fluid intake can mitigate gastrointestinal discomfort, suggesting a practical benefit for athletes.
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