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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

Measurement of Insulin- and Contraction-Stimulated Glucose Uptake in Isolated and Incubated Mature Skeletal Muscle from Mice

Measurement of Insulin- and Contraction-Stimulated Glucose Uptake in Isolated and Incubated Mature Skeletal Muscle from Mice

Published on: May 16, 2021

Altering endogenous carbohydrate availability to support training adaptations.

Andrew Philp¹, Louise M Burke, Keith Baar

¹University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA.

Nestle Nutrition Institute Workshop Series

|February 4, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Training with low glycogen levels may enhance cellular adaptations and fat oxidation during exercise. However, its impact on overall athletic performance requires further investigation and careful consideration within training programs.

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Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic Clamps in Conscious, Unrestrained Mice

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Last Updated: May 25, 2026

Measurement of Insulin- and Contraction-Stimulated Glucose Uptake in Isolated and Incubated Mature Skeletal Muscle from Mice

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Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic Clamps in Conscious, Unrestrained Mice

Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic Clamps in Conscious, Unrestrained Mice

Published on: November 16, 2011

Area of Science:

Exercise Physiology
Metabolic Adaptation
Cellular Signaling

Background:

Glycogen, a stored form of glucose in muscles, has long been known for its metabolic role.
Recent research highlights glycogen's influence on cellular signaling and exercise adaptation.
Acute exercise triggers physiological changes, including sympathetic nervous system activation and increased AMP-activated protein kinase activity, which are modulated by glycogen levels.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the effects of exercising in a glycogen-depleted state on metabolism and signaling.
To examine how glycogen depletion influences long-term exercise adaptation.
To discuss the implications of 'training low' for athletic performance.

Main Methods:

Literature review focusing on exercise physiology and metabolic studies.
Analysis of cellular signaling pathways affected by glycogen availability during exercise.
Examination of studies investigating the impact of low-carbohydrate availability on training adaptations.

Main Results:

Exercising with low glycogen may increase cellular markers associated with training.
Enhanced fat oxidation at sub-maximal exercise intensities is observed in glycogen-depleted states.
The direct translation of these cellular changes to improved athletic performance remains unclear.

Conclusions:

While 'training low' shows potential for enhancing certain training adaptations and metabolic functions, its performance benefits are not definitively established.
Further research is needed to identify specific contexts in health and athletics where training with low glycogen levels is advantageous.
Athletes and coaches should carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating low-carbohydrate training within periodized programs.