Carbohydrate Intake and Multiple Sprint Sports: With Special Reference to Football (Soccer)

Pre-game muscle glycogen concentrations were 395.6 +/- 78.3 mmol x kg(-1) dw following a high carbohydrate diet, significantly higher than 287.1 +/- 85.4 mmol x kg(-1) dw after a low carbohydrate diet.

• Players performed approximately 33% more high intensity exercise in the game following the high carbohydrate diet.
• Plasma free fatty acid and glycerol concentrations were significantly higher after 45 minutes and post-exercise in the low carbohydrate diet condition compared to the high carbohydrate condition.
• Post-exercise blood glucose levels were significantly lower in the game played following the low carbohydrate diet.
• No significant differences in mean blood lactate values or mean heart rates were observed between the two dietary conditions.
• The carbohydrate content of the diet may influence the amount of high intensity exercise performed during small-sided football games.

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