ABSTRACT
Objective
The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of carbohydrate ingestion prior to exercise on the number of bench press repetitions.
Methods
Eight male physically active (21.3±2.7 years, 176±5cm, 73.12±6.12kg), with a minimum experience of at least one year exercising regularly, visited the laboratory at three moments. During the first visit, candidates went through their anthropometric evaluation and the application of their maximum number of bench press repetitions. The experimental tests were performed during their second and third visits in a crossover and blind study. The participants performed the maximum number of repetitions with an intensity of 70% of their maximum repetition strength. One hour before the experimental trials, participants randomly ingested a solution containing either carbohydrate or a placebo.
Results
The ingestion of carbohydrate increases muscle resistance in relation to placebo (p=0.014; effect size=0.71). This is evidenced by the increase in the number of repetitions (12.9±2.4 and 11.3±1.9, respectively). The individual’s perception of effort is higher in the carbohydrate group than in the placebo group after exhaustion (4±0.93 and 3.1±0.64, respectively, p=0.006, effect size=0.89).
Conclusion
It is concluded that a previous intake of carbohydrate is useful in improving performance in resistance exercises, providing an increase in the individual’s perception of effort.
Keywords
Nutrition; Strength; Supplementation
RESUMO
Objetivo
O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar os efeitos da ingestão prévia de carboidrato no número de repetições durante o exercício supino reto em indivíduos praticantes de musculação.
Métodos
Oito participantes fisicamente ativos do sexo masculino (21,3±2,7 anos, 176±5cm, 73,12±6,12kg) com experiência mínima de um ano em treinamento de força visitaram o laboratório em três momentos. Durante a primeira visita foi realizada uma avaliação antropométrica e aplicação do teste de uma repetição máxima no exercício supino reto. Os testes experimentais foram realizados nas visitas dois e três em um modelo cross over e cego onde os participantes executaram o número máximo de repetições com uma intensidade de 70% de uma repetição máxima. Uma hora antes dos testes experimentais, de forma randômica, os participantes ingeriram uma solução contendo carboidrato ou placebo.
Resultados
A ingestão de carboidrato foi capaz de aumentar a resistência muscular em relação ao placebo (p=0.014; effect size=0.71), fato evidenciado pelo aumento no número de repetições (12,9±2,4 e 11,3±1,9, respectivamente). A percepção subjetiva de esforço foi maior no grupo carboidrato em relação ao grupo placebo após a exaustão (4±0,93 e 3,1±0,64, respectivamente p=0.006, effect size=0.89).
Conclusão
Concluímos que a ingestão prévia de carboidrato é útil em melhorar o desempenho em exercícios de resistência com aumento associado da percepção subjetiva de esforço.
Palavras-chave
Nutrição; Força; Suplementação
INTRODUCTION
Strength training is part of the fitness program for athletes of various sports. It provides benefits such as increased muscle mass, strengthening of tendons and ligaments, increased protein synthesis, decreased fat percentage, disease prevention, and decreased risks of injury [11 Suchomel TJ, Nimphius S, Stone MH. The importance of muscular strength in athletic performance. Sport Med. 2016;46(10):1419-49. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40279-016-0486-0
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]. Thus, the chronic effects of strength training are associated with nutritional strategies, allowing better results in sports performance [22 Grgic J, Trexler ET, Lazinica B, Pedisic Z. Effects of caffeine intake on muscle strength and power: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Int Soc Sport Nutr. 2018;15(11):1-10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0216-0
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,33 Wax B, Kavazis AN, Brown SP. Effects of supplemental carbohydrate ingestion during superimposed electromyostimulation exercise in elite weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res. 2013;27(11):3084-90. http://dxdoi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31828c26ec
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].
Among nutritional strategies, Carbohydrate (CHO) manipulation has been widely studied. It has been used as an ergogenic resource to improve performance in various sports [44 Rountree JA, Krings BM, Peterson TJ, Thigpen AG, McAllister MJ, Holmes ME, et al. Efficacy of carbohydrate ingestion on crossfit exercise performance. Sports. 2017;5(61):1-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/sports5030061
https://doi.org/10.3390/sports5030061...
5 Krings BM, Peterson TJ, Shepherd BD, McAllister MJ, Smith JW. Effects of carbohydrate ingestion and carbohydrate mouth rinse on repeat sprint performance. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2017;27(3):204-12. http://dxdoi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2016-0321
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-66 Krings BM, Rountree JA, McAllister MJ, Cummings PM, Peterson TJ, Fountain BJ, et al. Effects of acute carbohydrate ingestion on anaerobic exercise performance. J Int Soc Sport Nutr. 2016;13(40):1-11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12970-016-0152-9
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-016-0152-...
]. Over the years, the effects of CHO on long-term exercise performance [77 Thomas DT, Erdman KA, Burke LM. American college of sports medicine joint position statement: Nutrition and athletic performance. Med Sci Sport Exerc. 2016;48(3):543-68. http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000000852
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,88 O’Brien WJ, Stannard SR, Clarke JA, Rowlands DS. Fructose-maltodextrin ratio governs exogenous and other cho oxidation and performance. Med Sci Sport Exerc. 2013;45(9):1814-24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e31828e12d4
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] and on high-intensity exercises [99 Cermak NM, Van Loon LJC. The use of carbohydrates during exercise as an ergogenic aid. Sports Med. 2013;43(11):1139-55. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40279-013-0079-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-013-0079-...
] have become increasingly popular. An adequate CHO availability has been considered determinant and essential for effort in cycling events lasting 60, 90 and 120 minutes [1010 Jeukendrup A, Brouns F, Wagenmakers AJM, Saris WHM. Carbohydrate-electrolyte feedings and 1h time trial cycling performance. Int J Sport Med. 1997;18(2):125-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-972607
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,1111 Angus DJ, Hargreaves M, Dancey J, Febbraio MA. Effect of carbohydrate or carbohydrate plus medium-chain triglyceride ingestion on cycling time trial performance. J Appl Physiol. 2000;88(1):113-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1152/jappl.2000.88.1.113
https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.2000.88.1....
]. Regarding resistance exercises for the lower limbs, supplementation with CHO allows the number of repetitions of knee extension and flexion to increase in relation to placebo tests (PLA) [33 Wax B, Kavazis AN, Brown SP. Effects of supplemental carbohydrate ingestion during superimposed electromyostimulation exercise in elite weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res. 2013;27(11):3084-90. http://dxdoi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31828c26ec
https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31828c...
,1212 Haff GG, Schroeder CA, Koch AJ, Kuphal KE, Comeau MJ, Potteiger JA. The effects of supplemental carbohydrate ingestion on intermittent isokinetic leg exercise. J Sport Med Phys Fit. 2001 [cited 2019 Feb 22];41(2):216-22. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11447365
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1144...
,1313 Wax B, Brown SP, Webb HE, Kavazis AN. Effects of carbohydrate supplementation on force output and time to exhaustion during static leg contractions superimposed with electromyostimulation. J Strength Cond Res. 2012;26(6):1717-23. https://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e318234ec0e
https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e318234...
]. The same effect occurs in resistance exercises for the upper limbs. Recently, an increase in the number of bench press repetitions was observed when 15g of CHO were ingested before exercising and approximately every 15min throughout the test (total~75g) [66 Krings BM, Rountree JA, McAllister MJ, Cummings PM, Peterson TJ, Fountain BJ, et al. Effects of acute carbohydrate ingestion on anaerobic exercise performance. J Int Soc Sport Nutr. 2016;13(40):1-11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12970-016-0152-9
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-016-0152-...
].
The mechanism for such positive results is that pre-exercise supplementation increases glycemia and delays the onset of fatigue by promoting a higher rate of glucose oxidation. It also contributes to an increase in muscle glycogen content [99 Cermak NM, Van Loon LJC. The use of carbohydrates during exercise as an ergogenic aid. Sports Med. 2013;43(11):1139-55. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40279-013-0079-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-013-0079-...
], or even in maintaining a Ratio Perceived Exertion (RPE) [1414 O’Neal EK, Poulos SP, Wingo JE, Richardson MT, Bishop PA. Post-prandial carbohydrate ingestion during 1-h of moderate-intensity, intermittent cycling does not improve mood, perceived exertion, or subsequent power output in recreationally-active exercisers. J Int Soc Sport Nutr. 2013;10(4):1-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-10-4
https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-10-4...
] by reducing the concentration of cortisol, a stress-related hormone, during exercise [1515 Gomes RV, Moreira A, Coutts AJ, Capitani CD, Aoki MS. Effect of carbohydrate supplementation on the physiological and perceptual responses to prolonged tennis match play. J Strength Cond Res. 2014;28(3):735-41. http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182a1f757
https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182a1...
]. However, results related to CHO ingestion before resistance exercises are still conflicting. In some studies, there were no improvements in performance due to CHO ingestion [1616 Robergs RA, Pearson DR, Costill DL, Fink WJ, Pascoe DD, Benedict MA, et al. Muscle glycogenolysis during differing intensities of weight-resistance exercise. J Appl Physiol. 1991;70(4):1700-6. http://dx.doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1991.70.4.1700
https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1991.70.4....
17 Haff GG, Koch AJ, Potteiger JA, Kuphal KE, Magee LM, Green SB, et al. Carbohydrate supplementation attenuates muscle glycogen loss during acute bouts of resistance exercise. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2000 [cited 2019 Feb 20];10(3):326-39. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10997956
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1099...
-1818 Kulik JR, Touchberry CD, Kawamori N, Blumbert PA, Crum AJ, Haff GG. Supplemental carbohydrate ingestion does not improve performance of high-intensity resistance exercise. J Strength Cond Res. 2008;22(4):1101-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31816d679b
https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31816d...
]. In addition, only one study examined the effects of CHO supplementation on upper limb exercises [66 Krings BM, Rountree JA, McAllister MJ, Cummings PM, Peterson TJ, Fountain BJ, et al. Effects of acute carbohydrate ingestion on anaerobic exercise performance. J Int Soc Sport Nutr. 2016;13(40):1-11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12970-016-0152-9
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-016-0152-...
].
In this context, this study aims to verify the effects of previous CHO ingestion on muscular resistance bench press exercises. The hypothesis is that CHO ingestion would decrease RPE and contribute to an increase in the number of bench press repetitions at an intensity of 70% of One Repetition Maximum (1RM).
METHODS
Eight male physically active (mean age: 21.3±2.7 years, weight: 73.1±6.1kg, height:176±5cm, Body Mass Index [BMI]:23.7±3.02kg/m2, 1RM:66.8±13.5kg, 70% 1RM:46.7±9.4kg), who have been strength training athletes for at least one year, and have not used food supplements for at least one month before the study, were selected. The participants were instructed not to exercise the day before the experiment, nor to drink any alcoholic beverages, nor to ingest anything containing caffeine. Food prior to experimental testing was not controlled. However, in order to minimize any effects of the diet, participants were asked to repeat the same meal 24 hours before the first visit. All participants signed an informed consent term prior to the beginning of the tests. The procedures were approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Universidade Federal de Alagoas (UFAL, Federal University of Alagoas) - protocol No.398054.
Experimental procedure
This is a blind, crossover, placebo-controlled, randomized study. The tests were performed at the Laboratório de Ciências Aplicadas ao Esporte (LACAE, Laboratory of Applied Sports Science). Each participant visited the laboratory at three different moments of the experiment. At the first visit, two tests were performed: an anthropometric evaluation and the 1RM test. Experimental tests, which consisted of performing the highest number of repetitions at a 70% intensity of 1RM after the ingestion of CHO or PLA, were conducted at the two subsequent visits, which were separated by 72-96hr.
1RM test
Participants performed a specific warm up session on the equipment which would be used in the test (Technogym®, Cesena, Italy) using a weight equivalent to 50% of the weight used for ten maximum repetitions during a regular training session. After the warm up session, individuals rested for five minutes. Then, one repetition was performed using 100% of the estimated 1RM. Load was added to the exercise (5%), and the participant was instructed to perform another repetition. If the participant was capable of performing more than one repetition, the load would be progressively increased in two kilograms for a maximum of five sets, with a three-minute interval between them. When the participant would not be able to carry out the whole movement, the load of the last execution would be validated as their maximum load. The weight of the bar was not included in the total weight. Obtaining the result of 1RM enabled the researchers to calculate the load equivalent to 70% 1RM [1919 Tanaka LY, Júnior J, Rodrigues G. Influência da ingestão de bebida com carboidrato no desempenho em treinamento resistido. Rev Educ Física UEM. 2004 [citado 2019 fev 20];15(1):63-8. Disponível em: http://periodicos.uem.br/ojs/index.php/RevEducFis/article/view/3816
http://periodicos.uem.br/ojs/index.php/R...
].
Muscle resistance test
Muscle resistance was assessed using the equivalent load of 70% 1RM. The participants were instructed to perform the movements until voluntary exhaustion. The execution time of repetitions was controlled by a metronome (GMT200P SL Metro Tuner, China) with a frequency of 1:3 (repetition: seconds). The number of maximum repetitions was recorded. The RPE was recorded using the Borg scale (1-10) [2020 Borg GAV. Psychophysical bases of perceived exertion. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1982 [cited 2019 Feb 22];14(5):377-81. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7154893
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7154...
] according to the reports by the participant immediately at the end of each maximum repetition. The test ended when the participant did not meet the correct time to perform the movement for two consecutive times, or by voluntarily ending the test due to fatigue.
Ratio Perceived Exertion
The subjective perception of effort, created by Borg [2020 Borg GAV. Psychophysical bases of perceived exertion. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1982 [cited 2019 Feb 22];14(5):377-81. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7154893
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7154...
], was used as an instrument to quantify the sensation of effort generated during exercise. Even though it is a simple, non-invasive and cost-free indicator, the Ratio Perceived Exertion responds to the intensity of exercise, or more specifically to the stress on the cardiopulmonary and muscular systems. Prior to the start of the test, the same professional explained to the participant the purpose of the scale and at what times they would need to report on their perception of effort. The Borg Scale [2020 Borg GAV. Psychophysical bases of perceived exertion. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1982 [cited 2019 Feb 22];14(5):377-81. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7154893
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], from 1 to 10, was used. Each number represents a perceived effort level for each test stage. The selection of the number was performed verbally by the volunteers, immediately at the end of their maximum repetition.
Supplementation protocol
The CHO solution was composed of 20g of unflavored maltodextrin (Neonutri) dissolved into 200mL of water. As the solution’s masking flavor, it was added a lemon-flavored non-energetic powder juice (7g, Clight®, Chicago, USA). The PLA solution consisted of the same non-energy juice used in the CHO solution diluted into 200mL of water. Both beverages had a similar flavor, smell and density, and were served cold, sixty minutes prior to the experimental tests.
Statistical analysis
Data were expressed as Mean±Standard Deviation (SD). To verify normality of data, the Shapiro-Wilk test was performed. The comparison between CHO and PLA groups was performed using the paired Student t test. The significance level was p<0.05. The effect size was calculated using the formula (mean PLA - mean CHO)/pooled Standard Deviation [2121 Cohen J. Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences. 2nd ed. Hillsdale: Lawrence Earlbaum Associates; 1988 [cited 2019 Feb 10]. Available from: http://www.utstat.toronto.edu/~brunner/oldclass/378f16/readings/CohenPower.pdf
http://www.utstat.toronto.edu/~brunner/o...
]. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software, version 13.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, United States).
RESULTS
The performance improved approximately by 15% for six of the eight participants after CHO ingestion (Figure 1A). In general, when participants ingested the drink containing CHO, they were able to perform a greater number of bench press repetitions when compared to the PLA group (12.9±2.4±11.3±1.9, respectively. p=0.014; effect size =0.71; Figure 1B).
(A) Number of maximum individual bench press repetitions until exhaustion in the Placebo (PLA) and Carbohydrate (CHO) groups. (B) Mean and standard deviation of the number of replicates of the Placebo (PLA) and Carbohydrate (CHO) groups.
The Ratio Perceived Exertion increased according to the number of repetitions performed. The values were higher in the CHO group in relation to the PLA group (4±0.93 and 3.1±0.64, respectively. p=0.006, effect size=0.89, Figure 2).
(A) Subjective perception of individual effort in the placebo (PLA) and carbohydrate (CHO) groups. (B) Mean and standard deviation of the subjective perception of effort of the Placebo (PLA) and Carbohydrate (CHO) groups.
DISCUSSION
The ingestion of CHO before resistance exercises increased the number of repetitions when compared to the ingestion of PLA.This fact corroborates the initial hypothesis. However, the RPE increased in the CHO group, diverging from the hypothesis.
The increase in the number of repetitions is in accordance with previous studies. The ingestion of CHO immediately before the 80% 1RM strength training session increases the ability to perform sets and repetitions of knee extension exercises in relation to the ingestion of PLA [1212 Haff GG, Schroeder CA, Koch AJ, Kuphal KE, Comeau MJ, Potteiger JA. The effects of supplemental carbohydrate ingestion on intermittent isokinetic leg exercise. J Sport Med Phys Fit. 2001 [cited 2019 Feb 22];41(2):216-22. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11447365
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1144...
,2222 Lambert CP, Flynn MG, Boone Jr JB, Michaud TJ, Rodriguez-Zayas J. Effects of carbohydrate feeding on multiple-bout resistance exercise. J App Sports Sci Res. 1991[cited 2019 Feb 10];(5):192-7. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/nscajscr/Abstract/1991/11000/Effects_of_Carbohydrate_Feeding_on_Multiple_bout.4
https://journals.lww.com/nscajscr/Abstra...
]. The findings also corroborate the increase in the number of bench press repetitions after 15 minutes of ingestion of a drink containing CHO [66 Krings BM, Rountree JA, McAllister MJ, Cummings PM, Peterson TJ, Fountain BJ, et al. Effects of acute carbohydrate ingestion on anaerobic exercise performance. J Int Soc Sport Nutr. 2016;13(40):1-11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12970-016-0152-9
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-016-0152-...
]. However, the results contrast with the findings of Haff et al. [1717 Haff GG, Koch AJ, Potteiger JA, Kuphal KE, Magee LM, Green SB, et al. Carbohydrate supplementation attenuates muscle glycogen loss during acute bouts of resistance exercise. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2000 [cited 2019 Feb 20];10(3):326-39. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10997956
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1099...
], who did not find differences in the number of repetitions in exercises for lower limbs after the ingestion of CHO. The methodological variations at the different times of CHO ingestion or the type of exercise performed may be a possible explanation for the divergence between the studies.
The first study to investigate the effects of a prior ingestion of CHO was conducted by Boje [2323 Boje O. Arbeits hypoglykämie nach Glucose Eingabe. Skand Arch Physiol. 1940;83:308-12.].The author observed a decreased blood glucose level during exercise when CHO was ingested before it was performed. Similar results were reported by other studies, with a consequent impairment in performance when CHO was ingested prior to exercising [2424 Foster C, Costill D, Fink JW. Effect of pre-exercise feedings on endurance performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1979 [cited 2019 Feb 22];(11):1-5. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/582616
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/5826...
,2525 Moseley L, Lancaster GI, Jeukendrup AE. Effects of timing of pre-exercise ingestion of carbohydrate on subsequent metabolism and cycling performance. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2003;88(4-5):453-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00421-002-0728-8
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-002-0728-...
]. However, over the years, the results of studies have been controversial. The intake of CHO (6.0%, 8mL/kg) 15min before an intermittent and high-intensity exercise contributed to improving performance [2626 Davison GW, McClean C, Brown J, Madigan S, Gamble D, Trinick T, et al. The effects of ingesting a carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage 15 minutes prior to high-intensity exercise performance. Res Sport Med. 2008;16(3):155-66. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15438620802103155
https://doi.org/10.1080/1543862080210315...
].It also increased the average power, according to the Wingate test (22.0%, 1g.kg-1) [2727 Lee JD, Sterret LE, Guth LM, Konopa AR, Mahon AD. The effect of pre-exercise carbohydrate supplementation on anaerobic exercise performance in adolescent males. Pediatr Exerc Sci. 2011 [cited 2019 Feb 22];23:344-54. Available from: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/2e62/ef8d1fb82d0727c068ed0965d1b0247fa495.pdf
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/2e62/ef...
], and the time until exhaustion (6.4%) in a test at 90.0% Wmax after 30 minutes of ingestion [2828 Galloway SDR, Lott MJE, Toulouse LC. Preexercise carbohydrate feeding and high-intensity exercise capacity: Effects of timing of intake and carbohydrate concentration. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2014(3);24:258-66. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2013-0119
https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2013-0119...
]. Although there are studies reporting that ingesting CHO before exercise would lead to a worsening of performance by causing rebound hypoglycemia [2929 Costa TA, Gregório NP, Manarin BYF, Silva TM. Influência da maltodextrina sobre a glicemia e o rendimento de atletas juvenis de basquetebol. Rev Voos. 2011 [citado 2019 fev 10];2(2):35-51. Disponível em: http://www.revistavoos.com.br/seer/index.php/voos/article/viewFile/125/04_Vol2.2_VOOS2010_CS
http://www.revistavoos.com.br/seer/index...
,3030 Murray B, Rosenbloom C. Fundamentals of glycogen metabolism for coaches and athletes. Nutr Rev. 2018;76(4):243-59. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuy001
https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuy001...
], it is important to note that some individuals are hypoglycemic, but others are not adversely affected when ingesting CHO before exercising [3131 Jeukendrup AE, Killer SC. The myths surrounding pre-exercise carbohydrate feeding. Ann Nutr Metab. 2010;57Suppl2:18-25. http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000322698
https://doi.org/10.1159/000322698...
]. Based on such individual response to CHO ingestion, a definitive conclusion about deleterious effects of CHO prior to exercising should not be made [3030 Murray B, Rosenbloom C. Fundamentals of glycogen metabolism for coaches and athletes. Nutr Rev. 2018;76(4):243-59. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuy001
https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuy001...
] because other studies [3232 Febbraio MA, Chiu A, Angus DJ, Arkinstall MJ, Hawley JA. Effects of carbohydrate ingestion before and during exercise on glucose kinetics and performance. J Appl Physiol. 2000;89(6):2220-6. http://dx.doi.org/10.1152/jappl.2000.89.6.2220
https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.2000.89.6....
,3333 Stannard SR, Thompson MW, Miller JCB. The effect of glycemic index on plasma glucose and lactate levels during incremental exercise. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2000 [cited 2019 Feb 21];10(1):51-61. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10722781
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1072...
] have observed a positive effect of CHO ingestion before exercising.
The beneficial effects of CHO supplementation may be due to several mechanisms such as (1) maintenance of glycemia, (2) increased muscle glycogen resynthesis, (3) central fatigue attenuation, among others [3434 Amorin JFG, Teles DS, Júnior JRG. Suplementação de carboidratos durante o treinamento de basquetebol. Rev Bras Nutr Esportiva. 2018 [citado 2019 fev 21];12(69):60-7. Disponível em: http://www.rbne.com.br/index.php/rbne/article/view/988
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,3535 Fontan JS, Amadio MB. O uso do carboidrato antes da atividade física como recurso ergogênico: revisão sistemática. Rev Bras Med Esporte. 2015 [citado 2019 fev 22];21(2):153-7. Disponível em: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rbme/v21n2/1517-8692-rbme-21-02-00153.pdf
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rbme/v21n2/1517...
]. The latter mechanism is associated with circulating levels of glucose that appear to be an important source of energy for the central nervous system [3636 Smith KJ, Ainslie PN. Regulation of cerebral blood flow and metabolism during exercise. Exp Physiol. 2017;102(11):1356-71. http://dx.doi.org/10.1113/EP086249
https://doi.org/10.1113/EP086249...
]. Hypothetically, the CHO would delay central fatigue during exercise due to a decreased serotonin production [3737 Junior NKM. Mecanismos fisiológicos da fadiga. Rev Bras Prescrição Fisiol Exerc. 2015 [citado 2019 jan 16];9(56):671-720. Disponível em: http://rbpfex.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/pfex_82_n8v2_pp_246_254.pdf%5Cnhttp://diadorim.ibict.br/handle/1/506
http://rbpfex.com.br/wp-content/uploads/...
]. Moreover, the reduction or maintenance of RPE is one of the main actions of CHO during a high-intensity exercise (above 75% VO2 max) [3838 Utter AC, Kang J, Nieman DC, Dumke CL, McAnulty SR, McAnulty LS. Carbohydrate attenuates perceived exertion during intermittent exercise and recovery. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007;39(5):880-5. http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/mss.0b013e31803174a8
https://doi.org/10.1249/mss.0b013e318031...
]. This measurement is a response to the conscious interpretation of intensity of effort [3939 Marques LE, Brandão MRF. Volume de treinamento, percepção subjetiva do esforço e estados de humor durante um macrociclo de treinamento. Rev Bras Psic Esporte. 2010 [citado 2019 jan 20];3(4):64-78. Disponível em: http://pepsic.bvsalud.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S198191452010000100005
http://pepsic.bvsalud.org/scielo.php?scr...
]. The increase in training volume was accompanied by a consequent increase in the RPE, since this variable is related to the efforts made during exercise [3939 Marques LE, Brandão MRF. Volume de treinamento, percepção subjetiva do esforço e estados de humor durante um macrociclo de treinamento. Rev Bras Psic Esporte. 2010 [citado 2019 jan 20];3(4):64-78. Disponível em: http://pepsic.bvsalud.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S198191452010000100005
http://pepsic.bvsalud.org/scielo.php?scr...
]. Although some authors have observed that CHO ingestion minimized the increase in the RPE during prolonged and intermittent exercise sessions [3838 Utter AC, Kang J, Nieman DC, Dumke CL, McAnulty SR, McAnulty LS. Carbohydrate attenuates perceived exertion during intermittent exercise and recovery. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007;39(5):880-5. http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/mss.0b013e31803174a8
https://doi.org/10.1249/mss.0b013e318031...
,4040 Albert L. The effect of carbohydrate ingestion on the experience of fatigue during prolonged exercise. MaRBLe. 2015 [cited 2019 Feb 22];6:184-93. Available from: https://openjournals.maastrichtuniversity.nl/Marble/article/view/376
https://openjournals.maastrichtuniversit...
], in this study, the ingestion of CHO did not attenuate the RPE, corroborating with other authors, who did not find any significant differences between the ingestion of CHO and PLA [3434 Amorin JFG, Teles DS, Júnior JRG. Suplementação de carboidratos durante o treinamento de basquetebol. Rev Bras Nutr Esportiva. 2018 [citado 2019 fev 21];12(69):60-7. Disponível em: http://www.rbne.com.br/index.php/rbne/article/view/988
http://www.rbne.com.br/index.php/rbne/a...
,4141 Gonçalves ÁC, Guerrao JCM, Pelegrini RM. Efeito da ingestão de carboidrato sobre o desempenho físico durante treino de ciclismo indoor. Rev Bras Nutr Esportiva. 2017 [citado 2019 fev 10];11(62):185-91. Disponível em: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/motriz/v19n1/a21v19n1.pdf
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/motriz/v19n1/a...
]. However, the type of exercise analyzed in studies reporting that the RPE decreased or remained stable even with an increased intensity or duration of effort is predominantly aerobic [4141 Gonçalves ÁC, Guerrao JCM, Pelegrini RM. Efeito da ingestão de carboidrato sobre o desempenho físico durante treino de ciclismo indoor. Rev Bras Nutr Esportiva. 2017 [citado 2019 fev 10];11(62):185-91. Disponível em: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/motriz/v19n1/a21v19n1.pdf
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/motriz/v19n1/a...
,4242 Nybo L. CNS fatigue and prolonged exercise: Effect of glucose supplementation. Med Sci Sport Exerc. 2003;35(4):589-94. http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/01.MSS.0000058433.85789.66
https://doi.org/10.1249/01.MSS.000005843...
]. In a resistance exercise, however, in which an effort close to the maximum is required at each repetition, the ingestion of CHO contributes to improving performance without reducing RPE [4343 Bastos-Silva VJ, Prestes J, Geraldes AAR. Effect of carbohydrate mouth rinse on training load volume in resistance exercises. J Strength Cond Res. 2017;1. Ahead of print. http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002092
https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.000000000000...
]. Thus, the increase in the number of repetitions may be associated with an increase in the RPE. The ingestion of CHO was not able to attenuate or decrease the RPE in resistance exercises.
In conclusion, the results found in this study evidence that the ingestion of CHO before a series of resistance training is efficient to increase the number of repetitions at 70% 1RM without reducing the RPE.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to thank Tiago Muritiba da Silva for his contribution in data collection. The authors declare no conflicts of interest which are directly relevant to the contents of this study. This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (Capes) - Finance Code 001.
How to cite this article
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Santos MMP, Spineli H, Bastos-Silva VJ, Learsi SK, Araujo GG. Ingestion of a drink containing carbohydrate increases the number of bench press repetitions. Rev Nutr. 2019;32:e190056. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1678-9865201932e180056
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43Bastos-Silva VJ, Prestes J, Geraldes AAR. Effect of carbohydrate mouth rinse on training load volume in resistance exercises. J Strength Cond Res. 2017;1. Ahead of print. http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002092
» https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002092
Publication Dates
-
Publication in this collection
23 May 2019 -
Date of issue
2019
History
-
Received
27 Mar 2018 -
Reviewed
22 Feb 2019 -
Accepted
26 Mar 2019