Meta-Analysis of Carbohydrate Solution Intake during Prolonged Exercise in Adults: From the Last 45+ Years’ Perspective

Abstract

Carbohydrate (CHO) supplementation during prolonged exercise postpones fatigue. However, the optimum administration timing, dosage, type of CHO intake, and possible interaction of the ergogenic effect with athletes’ cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are not clear. Ninety-six studies (from relevant databases based on predefined eligibility criteria) were selected for meta-analysis to investigate the acute effect of ≤20% CHO solutions on prolonged exercise performance. The between-subject standardized mean difference [SMD = ([mean post-value treatment group–mean post-value control group]/pooled variance)] was assessed. Overall, SMD [95% CI] of 0.43 [0.35, 0.51] was significant (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that SMD was reduced as the subjects’ CRF level increased, with a 6–8% CHO solution composed of GL:FRU improving performance (exercise: 1–4 h); administration during the event led to a superior performance compared to administration before the exercise, with a 6–8% single-source CHO solution increasing performance in intermittent and ‘stop and start’ sports and an ~6% CHO solution appearing beneficial for 45–60 min exercises, but there were no significant differences between subjects’ gender and age groups, varied CHO concentrations, doses, or types in the effect measurement. The evidence found was sound enough to support the hypothesis that CHO solutions, when ingested during endurance exercise, have ergogenic action and a possible crossover interaction with the subject’s CRF.

Basketball Fatigue Impact on Kinematic Parameters and 3-Point Shooting Accuracy: Insights across Players’ Positions and Cardiorespiratory Fitness Associations of High-Level Players

“…They exclusively engaged in post-game recovery training sessions focused on reinforcing standard game strategies and promoting team cohesion [ 48 , 49 ]. Additionally, participants refrained from using any supplements that might possess ergogenic or synergistic properties, consistent with prior research findings [ 50 , 51 , 52 ]. Furthermore, on the evening before each experimental session, participants were provided with a standardized dinner [ 53 ].…”

Effect of 3 vs. 3 Soccer Small-Sided Game on Various Performance, Inflammatory, Muscle Damage and Hormonal Indicators in Semi-Professional Players

“…The SSG training format was conducted (9:00 a.m.) one week after the regular competitive season was finished (early May). The players did not have any severe training loads this week (just practiced regular game tactics and team cohesion) and did not take any supplements with an ergogenic or synergistic impact [ 31 , 32 , 33 ]. One day before the main protocol, participants were not involved in any training session.…”

Protein Supplementation Does Not Maximize Adaptations to Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Training in Sedentary, Healthy Adults: A Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Randomized Study

“…When it comes to improving exercise performance and maximizing adaptations to training, respectively, a large variety of nutritional supplements are frequently used by athletes and recreationally active individuals, including, for example, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals, and creatine. While protein is certainly one of the most popular supplements consumed by individuals involved in resistance training in order to promote gains in skeletal muscle mass [ 24 , 51 ], proper carbohydrate intake is undoubtedly the crucial nutritional strategy for maintaining blood glucose levels during prolonged endurance exercise and for replacing depleted muscle glycogen stores after exercise [ 24 , 52 , 53 ]. Although the role of protein supplementation in endurance-training adaptations has been comparatively little examined, it has been hypothesized that individuals performing endurance-type training programs may also benefit from additional protein, particularly when consumed after exercise [ 27 ].…”