Carbohydrate Utilization and Disposal in Strength/Power Training and Sports: Examining the Underexamined

Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015. All rights reserved. Since the seminal work of Bergstrm and Hultman almost 50 years ago, a plethora of studies have focused upon carbohydrate utilization and disposal, predominantly in the context of endurance training and competition. Surprisingly, despite carbohydrate (primarily glycogen) being a predominant fuel substrate in strength/power training and sports, a relative paucity of data exists. The advent of low carbohydrate, "keto," "paleo," and "train low, compete high" diets has ushered in a widely held belief that even moderate carbohydrate intake is unwarranted and may promote excessive lipogenesis among intensively training individuals. A perusal of the literature wherein muscle glycogen is inaccessible (e.g., McArdle's disease) or quantifi ed throughout exercise reveals substantial glycogenolysis during intense strength/power and high-intensity intermittent training, contrasted to a dearth of data regarding direct carbohydrate oxidation rates during such types of exercise. A greater understanding of carbohydrate fl ux and demands during strength/power training and sports may foster new investigations and applications, as well as accelerate training adaptations and performance.

Carbohydrate Utilization and Disposal in Strength/Power Training and Sports: Examining the Underexamined Chapter