Carbohydrates and Running Performance

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA · Dec 18, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how different forms of carbohydrates can impact running performance. Researchers believe that carbohydrates are a key source of energy during intense exercise, and they want to see if consuming them in different ways—like as a drink or on a dissolvable strip—can help athletes run better in a 12.8km time trial. The trial aims to understand how these carbohydrates, especially when tasted, might enhance brain activity that supports running.

To participate, you need to be between 18 and 45 years old, have a normal body weight, and be an endurance-trained athlete who exercises regularly (at least four times a week). For women, tests will only be conducted during a specific phase of their menstrual cycle to keep things consistent. Participants will also fill out a questionnaire to ensure they are ready for physical activity. If you have certain health conditions, are on specific diets, or are pregnant or nursing, you may not be eligible. If you join the trial, you can expect to try out these different carbohydrate forms while running and contribute to important research on sports nutrition.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 18-45 years old
• • Male or Female
• • Normal body mass index (BMI) between 18.0-24.9kg/m2
• • All subjects will be endurance-trained athletes who participate in training on a regular basis (≥4 sessions per week for at least 1 hour per session of aerobic/endurance exercise (such as running, cycling, or swimming)
• • Women will be tested only during the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle (days 2-9) to control for any fluctuation in hormones
• • Individuals aged 35 or older must pass the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ2)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Anyone eating a low carbohydrate diet (such as The Zone™ Diet or Atkins™ Diet)
• • Changes in current exercise program
• • Chronic diseases (including but not limited to type II diabetes, hypertension, hypotension, hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular disease, and cancer)
• • Medications that could alter metabolic rate or hydration status
• • Supplement use other than fish oil or vitamin/mineral supplements
• • Nicotine use
• • Pregnancy or nursing
• • Donation of blood in the 20 days prior to testing
• • A failing result on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ2) for those aged 35 or older
• • Allergy to red food dye FD\&C Red No. 40