Int J Sports Med 2008; 29(7): 598-606
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-989265
Nutrition

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effect of CHO Loading Patterns on Running Performance

Y. Chen1 , S. H. S. Wong1 , X. XU2 , X. Hao2 , C. K. Wong3 , C. W. Lam3
  • 1Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • 2College of Sports Science and Physical Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
  • 3Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision August 25, 2007

Publication Date:
14 November 2007 (online)

Abstract

This study examined the influence of 3-day isoenergetic carbohydrate (CHO) loading with different glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) meals on running performance and metabolic responses. With a randomized crossover design, nine male runners performed a 1-h run at 70 % V·O2max followed by a 10-km performance run after a 3-day diet adaptation, which involved different GI and GL meals [CHO intake (%), GI, and GL per day were 73 %, 80, and 553 for the high GI and high GL (HH); 73 %, 36, and 249 for the low GI and low GL (LL); and 31 %, 79, and 227 for the high GI and low GL (HL), respectively]. There were no differences in the time to complete the 10-km run between the two high-CHO trials; however, the performance in the LL trial was improved as compared to that in the HL trial (mean ± SEM: HH vs. LL vs. HL: 51.3 ± 5.3 vs. 48.6 ± 1.3 vs. 55.3 ± 6.9 min). It appears that the amount, rather than the nature, of the CHO consumed during the 3-day isoenergetic CHO loading may be the most overriding factor on subsequent metabolism and endurance run performance.

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Prof. Stephen H. S. Wong

The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Department of Sports Science and Physical Education

G02, Kwok Sports Building, Shatin, Hong Kong

852 Hong Kong

China

Phone: + 85 2 26 09 60 95

Fax: + 85 2 26 03 57 81

Email: hsswong@cuhk.edu.hk