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Carbohydrate ingestion and soccer skill performance during prolonged intermittent exercise
1Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand.
Journal of Sports Sciences
|December 8, 2009
Summary
Consuming a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution during intense exercise helps soccer players maintain skill performance. This contrasts with a placebo, where skill performance significantly declined during the simulated soccer match.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutrition
Background:
- Soccer performance relies heavily on skill execution, which can be compromised during prolonged intermittent exercise.
- Maintaining energy availability through adequate fueling is crucial for sustained athletic performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the impact of a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution on soccer skill performance during a simulated match.
- To compare the effects of carbohydrate-electrolyte ingestion versus a placebo on skill maintenance.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen male soccer players participated in a double-blind, randomized cross-over study.
- Participants completed the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test, ingesting either a 6.4% carbohydrate-electrolyte solution or a placebo.
- Soccer skill performance was assessed using the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test before and during the test.
Main Results:
- Skill performance showed a significant time effect, deteriorating in the later stages of exercise.
- A 3% reduction in skill performance was observed with carbohydrate-electrolyte ingestion.
- A greater decrease in skill performance (14%) occurred in the placebo group.
Conclusions:
- Carbohydrate-electrolyte ingestion demonstrated a tendency to better preserve soccer skill performance compared to a placebo.
- Supplementation may be beneficial for maintaining skill execution in the final stages of soccer matches.
- Further research could explore optimal carbohydrate dosages for skill maintenance in soccer players.
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