The effect of carbohydrate feeding on repeated bouts of anaerobic exercise in pre- and early-pubertal boys

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of pre-exercise carbohydrate feeding on repeated bouts of anaerobic exercise in pre- and early-pubertal boys. Eleven boys, (10.2 ± 1.3 yrs) maturation stage I and II according to Tanner participated in this study. Peak (PP) and mean power (MP) were examined using 4 repeated Wingate Anaerobic Tests (WAnT) bouts. Two double-blind, randomized trials were performed; a carbohydrate (CHO) and placebo (PL) trial. A two-way (trial by time) ANOVA was used to analyze PP, MP, blood glucose, lactate, heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. PP and MP were not significantly different across trials. Glucose was significantly higher after CHO consumption, but post-exercise responses did not vary between trials. There was no significant trial or time effect and no interaction effect for HR. There was a significant time effect for lactate and RPE. The results suggest that pre-exercise CHO feeding does not enhance anaerobic exercise performance in children, a finding that is similar to outcomes involving adults.