The Impact of Carbohydrate Loading and Muscle Glycogen Supercompensation on Anaerobic Performance in Elite Jiu-Jitsu Athletes

• Published in: Journal of exercise physiology online 2024-10, Vol.27 (5), p.26
• Main Authors: Paiyarat, Kanyaporn, Techakriengkrai, Taweesak, Jamphon, Amporn, Penglee, Nattika, Polyai, Natrapee, Jaikaeo, Chaiporn, Khulasittijinda, Nathapong, Techakriengkrai, Weerawan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Athletes; Fatigue; Food habits; Glycogen; Image processing; Lactates; Physiological aspects; Running
• ISSN: 1097-9751; 1097-9751

Paiyarat K, Techakriengkrai T, Jamphon A, Penglee N, Polyai N, Jaikaeo C, Khulasittijinda N, Techakriengkrai W. The Impact of Carbohydrate Loading and Muscle Glycogen Supercompensation on Anaerobic Performance in Elite Jiu-Jitsu Athletes. JEPonline 2024;27(5):26-42. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of dietary patterns on muscle glycogen storage in Jiu-Jitsu athletes and to explore the relationship between muscle glycogen levels and athletic performance. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) design was employed that involved 10 Thai national Jiu-Jitsu athletes (5 males and 5 females; Mean = 22.80 years, SD = 3.35, Max = 27 years, Min = 18 years). The participants were randomly divided into 2 groups of 5: a Control Group (Mean = 23.20 years, SD = 4.08, Max = 27 years, Min = 18 years) and a Carbohydrate Loading Group (Mean = 22.40 years, SD = 2.88, Max = 26 years, Min = 19 years). Data collection consisted of 3 days of 24-hour dietary recall and body composition measurements, were used to develop a 4-day diet plan based on individualized estimated energy requirements (EER). The Control Group received a balanced diet while the Carbohydrate Loading Group was provided with a high-carbohydrate diet, paired with high-intensity intermittent training. Ultrasound scans using image segmentation methods assessed initial muscle glycogen levels concurrent with the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) protocol. The data were analyzed using means, standard deviations, and percentages. Differences in mean scores of the RAST were compared using a t-test, with statistical significance set at an alpha level of 0.05. The research results were as follows: (a) The Carbohydrate Loading Group consumed significantly higher quantities of carbohydrates (7.29 [+ or -] 0.67 g/kg/day) compared to the Control Group (4.32 [+ or -] 1.18 g/kg/day). (b) Glycogen storage in the carbohydrate loading group increased significantly by 43.30% (P < 0.05). (c) This increase in glycogen storage exhibited a strong negative correlation with the fatigue index (r = -0.998, P < 0.05). In conclusion, participants in the Carbohydrate Loading Group who consumed a high-carbohydrate diet for 4 days and underwent high-intensity intermittent exercise showed a significant increase in muscle glycogen stores, which was associated with a reduced fatigue index that indicated a decrease in muscle fatigue, potentially reflecting enhanced lactate tolerance and improved utilization of the anaerobic