Carbohydrate-electrolyte drink ingestion and skill performance during and after 2 hr of indoor tennis match play

Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2012 Feb;22(1):38-46. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.22.1.38.

Abstract

Twenty-two tennis players were individually studied on 2 occasions. They performed a prematch skill test, a 2-hr tennis match against an equally ranked opponent, and a postmatch skill test. A carbohydrate-electrolyte (CHO-E; Lucozade Sport) or flavor-matched placebo-electrolyte (PL) beverage was administered in a double-blind fashion. During the trials, heart-rate and movement intensity were monitored, and the match was recorded for performance analysis. There were no differences in skill-test scores pre- to postmatch or between trials (154±38 pre- and 160±35 postmatch on PL, 155±36 pre- and 165±33 postmatch on CHO-E). CHO-E ingestion elevated blood glucose concentration throughout the match, and participants reported feeling more energetic (general activation) and more tense (high activation) 1 hr into the match than at baseline (p<.05). Participants in the CHO-E trial spent more time in moderate-intensity activity and less time in low-intensity activity than on PL. Performance analysis revealed that CHO-E ingestion increased overall serve success (M±SD, 68%±7% for CHO-E vs. 66%±7% for PL; p<.05) and success of first serves (65%±9% for CHO-E, 61%±7% for PL; p<.01) and serves to the advantage side (70%±9% for CHO-E, 66%±7% for PL; p<.05). Return success was greater during the second set of the match (p<.05) in the CHO-E trial. Differences in serve and return success were not associated with blood glucose response to CHO or player ability.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Athletic Performance / physiology*
  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Dietary Carbohydrates / administration & dosage*
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Electrolytes / administration & dosage*
  • Fatigue / blood
  • Fatigue / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Skills
  • Performance-Enhancing Substances / administration & dosage*
  • Physical Endurance / physiology*
  • Physical Fitness / physiology*
  • Tennis
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Electrolytes
  • Performance-Enhancing Substances