Influence of carbohydrate supplementation on skill performance during a soccer match simulation.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the influence of carbohydrate supplementation on skill performance throughout exercise that replicates soccer match-play.


METHODS
Experimentation was conducted in a randomised, double-blind and cross-over study design.


METHODS
After familiarization, 15 professional academy soccer players completed a soccer match simulation incorporating passing, dribbling and shooting on two separate occasions. Participants received a 6% carbohydrate-electrolyte solution (CHO) or electrolyte solution (PL). Precision, success rate, ball speed and an overall index (speed-precision-success; SPS) were determined for all skills. Blood samples were taken at rest, immediately before exercise, every 15 min during exercise (first half: 15, 30 and 45 min; second half: 60, 75 and 90 min), and 10 min into the half time (half-time).


RESULTS
Carbohydrate supplementation influenced shooting (time×treatment interaction: p<0.05), where CHO attenuated the decline in shot speed and SPS index. Supplementation did not affect passing or dribbling. Blood glucose responses to exercise were influenced by supplementation (time×treatment interaction: p<0.05), where concentrations were higher at 45 min and during half-time in CHO compared with PL. Blood glucose concentrations reduced by 30±1% between half-time and 60 min in CHO.


CONCLUSIONS
Carbohydrate supplementation attenuated decrements in shooting performance during simulated soccer match-play; however, further research is warranted to optimise carbohydrate supplementation regimes for high-intensity intermittent sports.
Department of Sports Studies, Moulton College, UK.
Mark
M
Russell
David
D
Benton
Michael
M
Kingsley
D000293:Adolescent; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000502:physiology; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
D001786:Blood Glucose; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004573:Electrolytes