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

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 ± 0.67 g/kg/day) compared to the Control Group (4.32 ± 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 highcarbohydrate 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 energy system in athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]