Nicholas, C. W., Tsintzas, K., Boobis, L, & Williams, C. (1999). Carbohydrate-electrolyte ingestion during intermittent high-intensity running. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31, 1280-1286.

The effects of ingesting a carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage (Lucozade Sport) or placebo on 90 minutes of intermittent high-intensity running were investigated. Trained games (soccer, hockey, rugby) players (N = 6) performed two exercise trials seven days apart, each trial under a different fluid supplementation. The exercise was six 15-minute periods of intermittent running, consisting of maximal sprinting, interspersed with less intense periods of running and walking.

In the CHO condition, muscle glycogen utilization was reduced by 22% when compared to the control/placebo condition. S's perceived exertion and heart rates were similar in both conditions.

Implication. Ingesting a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution preserves muscle glycogen concentration in intermittent high-intensity exercises such as field games.

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