Knowledge is (aerobic) power – Association between carbohydrate knowledge, low energy availability risk and performance

Introduction: Competitive amateur triathletes implement high training volumes, putting themselves at increased risk for low energy availability (LEA). Appropriate carbohydrate fueling before, during, and after exercise may help reduce athletes’ risk of LEA and improve training quality and adaptations. The goal of the present study was to assess associations between carbohydrate knowledge, LEA risk, and seasonal changes in performance. Methods: Ten middle- and long-distance triathletes (33±9 years, 30% female, tier 3) participated in comprehensive testing during off-season (baseline), preparation, and peak competition. At baseline, participants completed the Carbohydrates for Endurance Athletes in Competition Questionnaire (CEAC Q) and the LEA in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q). In men, questions on menstrual function were replaced with questions on sexual activity from the Aging Males Symptoms (AMS) questionnaire. Participants were grouped based on their CEAC-Q score using a median split (CEAC-low vs. CEAC-high). At each time point, maximal sprint power (PPO), fat oxidation (MFO) and oxygen uptake (VO2max) were assessed. Results: Participants scored 48.4±17.7% in the CEAC-Q (CEAC-low: 32.0±13.0%, CEAC-high: 59.4±10.1%). Greater carbohydrate knowledge was associated with reduced LEAF-Q/AMS score indicative of LEA risk (r = -0.67, p = 0.034). Throughout the season (baseline vs. peak competition), VO2max (54.9±8.7 vs. 57.8±8.4 ml/min/kg, p = 0.054) and MFO (0.52±0.20 vs. 0.63±0.11 g/min, p = 0.088) increased and PPO decreased (1042±305 vs. 1001±258 W, p = 0.124). When compared to CEAC-low, CEAC-high showed greater improvements in VO2max (+5.7 vs. -1.3 ml/min/kg, p = 0.006). No group differences were found for changes in PPO and MFO. Conclusion: Our results indicate the importance of carbohydrate knowledge, which may support improvements in aerobic capacity and simultaneously reduce LEA risk in amateur triathletes. Further studies should test the relationship between carbohydrate knowledge and training quality.      «

Introduction: Competitive amateur triathletes implement high training volumes, putting themselves at increased risk for low energy availability (LEA). Appropriate carbohydrate fueling before, during, and after exercise may help reduce athletes’ risk of LEA and improve training quality and adaptations. The goal of the present study was to assess associations between carbohydrate knowledge, LEA risk, and seasonal changes in performance. Methods: Ten middle- and long-distance triathletes (33±9 yea...     »