The influence of commercially-available carbohydrate and carbohydrate-protein supplements on endurance running performance in recreational athletes during a field trial

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The influence of commercially-available carbohydrate and carbohydrate-protein supplements on endurance running performance in recreational athletes during a field trial

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Access the profile card for user: Katherine Spotswood Katherine Spotswood

Posted Date:

October 24, 2013 4:33 PM

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Published

Katherine Spotswood

10/24/13

Research Review 3

Reference

Coletta, A., Thompson, D. L., & Raynor, H. A. (2013). The influence of commercially-available supplements on endurance running performance in recreational athletes during a field trial. Journal Of The International Society Of Sports Nutrition, 10(1), 1-7.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of CHO and CHO-P supplementation under applied conditions of commercially available isocaloric and isocarbohydrate supplements compared to a placebo, in an outdoor running field trial, in order to assess their influence on endurance performance.  

Methods and Materials

The methods of this study include the random assignment of twelve male recreational runners from the University of Tennessee and a local running club. Runners were of 18-55 years of age, and engaged in running 45-90+ minutes up to four days a week. The supplements used in this study were commercially available. The Placebo used was Crystal Lite, the CHO supplement used was Gatorade, and the CHO-P supplement used was Accelerade. The study was a single-blind experiment. All running trials were conducted on an outdoor, paved running trail. For each trial participants were instructed to run with intensity similar to race pace, providing an all-out sprint for the last two laps. Supplementation was administered in 120ml servings five minutes before the start, and every 4km throughout the run (600ml total). Supplementation was not administered at the finish.  

Summary of Results and Conclusion

Outcomes indicated that there was no difference in athletic performance between commercially-available CHO and CHO-P supplementation during an endurance run. The results of this study yielded no significant differences in time to complete the 19.2 km run. The means and standard deviations of the variables are: Placebo =88.6 plus or minus 11.6 min; CHO =89.1 plus or minus 11.3 min; and CHO-P =89.1 plus or minus 11.8 min. The conclusion of this study demonstrates that commercially available CHO and CHO-P supplements do not appear to enhance performance in male recreational runners.   

Critique of the Study

This study is limited in its sample size (>15) and homogenous sample (all Caucasian males). Also this study did not control for participant exercise prior to each session or diet of the participants prior to each session. Evidence from this study and other research supports that CHO-P supplementation does not increase athletic performance and improvements in endurance performance greater than 60 minutes with CHO or CHO-P supplementation warrants further investigation

Practical Application of the Study

The use of CHO-P supplementation during exercise is becoming a rising trend among athletes, especially, endurance athletes as they strive to train harder and longer. Commercial CHO and CHO-P supplementation products can be misleading in the way they are advertised. The application of this study can be used to support the notion that CHO and CHO-P does not enhance performance.

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