Carbohydrate-electrolyte solution effects on physical performance of military tasks.
BACKGROUND
Physical performance of military tasks can deteriorate during field training.


OBJECTIVE
Drinking a carbohydrate-electrolyte (CHO-E) beverage during military relevant training would improve fluid and caloric intake, and better sustain physical performance.


METHODS
Some 27 volunteers restricted to approximately 2600 kcal.d-1 were randomly assigned to one of three groups: CHO-E, placebo, or water. Fluid intake was ad libitum. The volunteers completed 3 d of field training in hot humid conditions (30 degrees C, 60% rh). Training days 1 and 2 each included a 16-21 km march over hilly terrain, marksmanship training, and 2 h of rock climbing. Day 3 included a 14.5 km march followed by marksmanship tests, a timed rock climb and a 0.7 km uphill (21% grade) run.


RESULTS
The CHO-E beverage provided an additional approximately 2800 kcal (p < 0.05) for the 3 d of training. There were no differences (ANOVA, p > 0.05) between the groups absolute or changes from pre-training values for fluid intake, body weight, climb time, run time, marksmanship, or mood. Those drinking CHO-E were, however, more likely to maintain uphill run performance after training (chi 2 = 7.2; p < 0.05) and more likely to maintain both uphill run and marksmanship ability (chi 2 = 17.2; p < 0.05). There was also an inverse relationship between caloric intake and deterioration of uphill run performance (r = -0.75; p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Persons drinking CHO-E or practicing good food discipline are more likely to sustain physical performance than those eating only a portion of their food. CHO-E provides an accessible source of calories which can be advantageous when limited food is available or inadaquate food consumption is likely.
Montain
S J
SJ
Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division, USARIEM, Natick, MA 01760, USA.
Shippee
R L
RL
Tharion
W J
WJ
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000502:physiology; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001628:Beverages; D001826:Body Fluids; D001835:Body Weight; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002980:Climate; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004326:Drinking; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002149:Energy Intake; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D010807:Physical Endurance; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014481:United States; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004573:Electrolytes