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Updated: Dec 21, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Impact of Reduced Resistance Exercise Volume on Metabolic Health
Published on: December 1, 2023
Acute Maltodextrin Supplementation During Resistance Exercise
Dylan T Wilburn1, Steven B Machek1, Thomas D Cardaci1
1Exercise and Biochemical Nutrition Laboratory, Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation, Baylor University, Baylor University, Waco, TX USA.
Pre-exercise maltodextrin did not enhance resistance exercise performance. Carbohydrate intake altered metabolic responses, including decreased epinephrine and glucose, and increased insulin, but did not improve leg press power or muscle glycogen recovery.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Nutrition
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Carbohydrate's ergogenic effects are primarily studied in aerobic exercise.
- Limited research exists on carbohydrate's impact on resistance exercise performance and metabolic responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of pre-exercise maltodextrin on resistance exercise performance.
- To examine changes in serum insulin, epinephrine, glucose, and muscle glycogen concentrations.
- To understand carbohydrate metabolism during resistance exercise.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind, cross-over, repeated measures design.
- Participants performed sets to failure on the leg press with or without maltodextrin (2g/kg).
- Blood markers and muscle glycogen were assessed at various time points.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in resistance exercise performance between conditions.
- Muscle glycogen decreased over time in both groups.
- Carbohydrate ingestion led to decreased epinephrine and glucose, and increased insulin during exercise.
Conclusions:
- Pre-exercise maltodextrin does not improve resistance exercise performance.
- Carbohydrate is preferentially utilized during resistance exercise, altering key metabolic markers.
- Increased substrate availability does not necessarily translate to enhanced performance or glycogen replenishment in recovery.
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