Periodization of Carbohydrate Intake: Short-Term Effect on Performance

Overview

Journal Nutrients

Date 2016 Nov 30

PMID 27897989

Citations 27

Authors

Laurie-Anne Marquet

Christophe Hausswirth

Odeline Molle

John A Hawley

Louise M Burke

Eve Tiollier

Jeanick Brisswalter

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: "Sleep-low" consists of a sequential periodization of carbohydrate (CHO) availability-low glycogen recovery after "train high" glycogen-depleting interval training, followed by an overnight-fast and light intensity training ("train low") the following day. This strategy leads to an upregulation of several exercise-responsive signaling proteins, but the chronic effect on performance has received less attention. We investigated the effects of short-term exposure to this strategy on endurance performance.

Methods: Following training familiarization, 11 trained cyclists were divided into two groups for a one-week intervention-one group implemented three cycles of periodized CHO intake to achieve the sleep-low strategy over six training sessions (SL, CHO intake: 6 g·kg·day), whereas the control group consumed an even distribution of CHO over the day (CON). Tests were a 2 h submaximal ride and a 20 km time trial.

Results: SL improved their performance (mean: +3.2%; < 0.05) compared to CON. The improvement was associated with a change in pacing strategy with higher power output during the second part of the test. No change in substrate utilization was observed after the training period for either group.

Conclusion: Implementing the "sleep-low" strategy for one week improved performance by the same magnitude previously seen in a three-week intervention, without any significant changes in selected markers of metabolism.

Citing Articles

Carbohydrate Restriction During Recovery from High-Intensity-Interval Training Enhances Fat Oxidation During Subsequent Exercise and Does Not Compromise Performance When Combined With Caffeine.

Soegaard C, Riis S, Mortensen J, Hansen M Curr Dev Nutr. 2025; 9(1):104520.

PMID: 39834686 PMC: 11743123. DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.104520.

Effects of Short-Term Nighttime Carbohydrate Restriction Method on Exercise Performance and Fat Metabolism.

Sakamoto T, Ueda S, Nakahara H Nutrients. 2024; 16(13).

PMID: 38999884 PMC: 11243291. DOI: 10.3390/nu16132138.

A Five-Week Periodized Carbohydrate Diet Does Not Improve Maximal Lactate Steady-State Exercise Capacity and Substrate Oxidation in Well-Trained Cyclists compared to a High-Carbohydrate Diet.

Prieto-Bellver G, Diaz-Lara J, Bishop D, Fernandez-Saez J, Abian-Vicen J, San-Millan I Nutrients. 2024; 16(2).

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The molecular athlete: exercise physiology from mechanisms to medals.

Furrer R, Hawley J, Handschin C Physiol Rev. 2023; 103(3):1693-1787.

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Pacing Behaviour Development and Acquisition: A Systematic Review.

Menting S, Edwards A, Hettinga F, Elferink-Gemser M Sports Med Open. 2022; 8(1):143.

PMID: 36484867 PMC: 9733766. DOI: 10.1186/s40798-022-00540-w.

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