Stephens, B. R., & Mahon, A. D. (2003). The effect of maturation on fuel use during exercise in boys. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(5), Supplement abstract 1165.

Fat and carbohydrate (CHO) use during exercise was investigated in early- (N = 7) and late-pubertal (N = 7) boys. Bicycle ergometry was performed for five minutes at 30, 40, 50, and 60% VO2max.

VO2max and %VO2max at each intensity were similar between the two maturation classifications. However, generally the younger group used more fat oxidation for energy than CHO when compared to the older group. Thus, pubertal development influences fuel use patterns in boys.

Implication. Young boys use fats as fuel for exercise than older boys performing the same exercise.

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