Abstract
Objectives:
The physiological and performance effects of carbohydrate-electrolyte gels consumed before the 30 min extra-time period of prolonged soccer-specific exercise were investigated.
Design:
Randomised, double-blind, crossover.
Methods:
Eight English Premier League academy soccer players performed 120 min of soccer-specific exercise on two occasions while consuming fluid-electrolyte beverages before exercise, at half-time and 90 min. Carbohydrate–electrolyte (0.7 ± 0.1 g kg−1 BM) or energy-free placebo gels were consumed ∼5 min before extra-time. Blood samples were taken before exercise, at half-time and every 15 min 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 ± 0.8 mmol l−1 during extra-time (both p < 0.01). Supplementation did not affect sprint velocities (15 m and 30 m), 30-m sprint maintenance or dribbling speed as reductions compared to 0–15 min values occurred at 105–120 min irrespective of trial (all p < 0.05). Plasma osmolality and blood sodium concentrations increased post-exercise vs. the opening 15 min (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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 509-514 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 6 |
Early online date | 17 Jun 2015 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 2016 |
Externally published | Yes |