Jeukendrup, A. Brouns, F., Wagenmakers, A. J., & Saris, W. H. (1997). Carbohydrate-electrolyte feedings improve 1 h time trial cycling performance. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 18, 125-129.

The effects of CHO on extended (2+ hours) moderate-intensity exercise are clear. However, what happens in shorter duration higher intensity activity is not so clear. This study investigated the effect of ingestion of a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution during exercise on time trial cycling performance of approximately one hour (a higher intensity than that used in most studies).

On two occasions and in random order, endurance trained cyclists (N = 19) completed a cycling test to perform a set amount of work as fast as possible under standardized conditions. At the start and during the time trial, 14 ml/kg of either a 7.6% carbohydrate-electrolyte or placebo solution was ingested.

Performance was improved by 2.3% in the carbohydrate-electrolyte condition.

Implication. Carbohydrate-electrolyte solution ingestion at the start and during relatively high intensity work improves performance.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.