Odland, L. M., & Johnson, S. W. (2002). Effects of carbohydrate ingestion on performance during a competitive “stop-and-go” sport (basketball). Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(5), Supplement abstract 1289.

A reproducible, high-intensity, “stop-and-go” exercise protocol (120 minutes with a 30-min warm-up and 15-min half-time break) was designed to mimic the physical and mental demands of basketball. Female college players (N = 10) performed the protocol twice while ingesting a placebo or a 6% carbohydrate-electrolyte solution. Ingestion was 2-5 ml/kg before exercise and during “time-out” simulations.

Blood glucose was higher in the CHO trial than placebo. Blood lactate and RPE were similar between trials. Most performance indicators were similar except 15-m sprint times were faster in the last 10 minutes of the second half in the CHO condition when compared to placebo.

Implication. CHO ingestion by female basketball players only had a minor influence on endurance performance in a game simulation.

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