Effect of Carbohydrate Consumption on Fatigue and Muscle Damage in Jiu-Jitsu Athletes

Effect of Carbohydrate Consumption on Fatigue and Muscle Damage in Jiu-Jitsu Athletes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The study is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial that will include the participation of 14 Jiu-Jitsu athletes between 18 and 33 years. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of carbohydrate consumption on fatigue and exercise-induced muscle damage in Jiu-Jitsu athletes.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a sport characterized by intermittent high-intensity efforts separated by periods of low intensity. Muscular strength is considered one of the most important physical components to be developed, especially in the upper limbs through dynamic and static actions. The activities of high intensity (relation effort-pause) carried out by the upper and lower limbs during BJJ can induce muscle fatigue. In order to minimize the glycogen depletion and to guarantee the availability of energy substrate to the athlete during the physical exercise, the carbohydrate intake before moderate intensity exercises should be between 5-7 g / kg of weight / day. The intervention group will receive a 30g maltodextrin beverage and the placebo group a non-carbohydrate drink. There will be 3 combat simulations of 8 min each, with intervals of 10 min between fights. Athletes will be instructed to remain with their usual intake during the study. The outcomes will be: manual grip strength (dynamometer), upper limb strength (KGST), lower limb strength (vertical jump), subjective exertion perception (Borg scale), pain perception (Nilsson scale), blood markers of muscle damage (CK and LDH), lactate, and glycemia.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Compete in the categories of weight between 70kg and 88,3kg (weight classification from light to medium heavy, belonging to the bands purple to brown).
• Age between 18 and 33 years.
• Be training at least three times a week, minimum of 1,5 hours per day, for at least 3 consecutive months.
• Have not used anabolic steroids in the last 6 months during the study period.
• Do not use any type of dietary supplement in the last 3 months.
• Self-declared healthy individuals.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Recent muscle injury (within the last 3 months) that compromises and / or impedes the performance of the exercise requested in the study.
• Be in a time of rapid weight loss (pre-competition).