Physiological and performance effects of carbohydrate gels consumed prior to the extra-time period of prolonged simulated soccer match-play

Harper, Liam, Briggs, Marc, McNamee, Ged, West, Dan, Kilduff, Liam, Stevenson, Emma and Russell, Mark (2016) Physiological and performance effects of carbohydrate gels consumed prior to the extra-time period of prolonged simulated soccer match-play. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 19 (6). pp. 509-514. ISSN 1878-1861

Preview

Text (Full text) Harper et al - Carbohydrate gel and extra time.pdf - Accepted Version Download (519kB) | Preview

Abstract

Objectives - The physiological and performance effects of carbohydrate-electrolyte gels consumed before the 30min extra-time period of prolonged soccer-specific exercise were investigated.

Design - Randomised, double-blind, crossover.

Methods - Eight English Premier League academy soccer players performed 120min of soccer-specific exercise on two occasions while consuming fluid-electrolyte beverages before exercise, at half-time and 90min. Carbohydrate-electrolyte (0.7±0.1gkg(-1) BM) or energy-free placebo gels were consumed ∼5min before extra-time. Blood samples were taken before exercise, at half-time and every 15min during exercise. Physical (15-m and 30-m sprint speed, 30-m sprint maintenance and countermovement jump height) and technical (soccer dribbling) performance was assessed throughout each trial.

Results - Carbohydrate-electrolyte gels improved dribbling precision (+29±20%) and raised blood glucose concentrations by 0.7±0.8mmoll(-1) during extra-time (both p<0.01). Supplementation did not affect sprint velocities (15m and 30m), 30-m sprint maintenance or dribbling speed as reductions compared to 0-15min values occurred at 105-120min irrespective of trial (all p<0.05). Plasma osmolality and blood sodium concentrations increased post-exercise vs. the opening 15min (p<0.05) but no effect of supplementation existed. Selected markers of physical performance (jump height, 30-m sprint velocity and 30-m repeated sprint maintenance) also reduced by >3% during half-time (all p<0.05).

Conclusions - Carbohydrate-electrolyte gel ingestion raised blood glucose concentrations and improved dribbling performance during the extra-time period of simulated soccer match-play. Supplementation did not attenuate reductions in physical performance and hydration status that occurred during extra-time.

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads