Kirkendall, D. T. (1993). Effects of nutrition on performance in soccer. Medicine and Science in Exercise and Sports, 25, 1370-1374.

Soccer is a glycogen-depleting activity and its work volume and rate are influenced by the level of muscle glycogen. It is imperative that glycogen stores be fully replenished to work at the rate and volume demanded by the game.

Glycogen repletion occurs most rapidly when CHOs are ingested immediately postexercise. A glucose polymer solution pregame and at intermission significantly increased the work volume by 20% in the first half and 30% in the second half of a game as well as improving significantly in a second game.

Implication. The restoration of glycogen stores at times during and surrounding soccer games should be a preferred activity.

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