Effect of Carbohydrate-protein Co-ingestion on Short-term Recovery

Effects of Post-Exercise Recovery Drink Composition on Subsequent Performance in Masters Class Athletes

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the consumption of a carbohydrate, carbohydrate plus protein, or placebo sports drink during a 2-hour recovery period effectively moderates performance decrements during a subsequent bout of high-intensity exercise. This information will benefit any endurance-trained masters class athlete who may need to compete or train multiple times a day.

To test the hypothesis, this study will utilize a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled between-subject design to examine the effects of carbohydrate (CHO) and carbohydrate-protein (CHO-P) supplementation on short-term recovery following aerobic interval exercise (INT) and time to exhaustion (TTE) testing in maters class athletes. After completing the informed consent and screening process (Visit #1), each participant will be assessed for their anthropometric measures as well as body composition and will complete a graded exercise test to volitional exhaustion on a cycle ergometer to determine VO2peak. Forty-eight to 72 hours after Visit #1, or VO2peak testing, participants will return to the lab for familiarization with the INT exercise protocol and TTE test (Visit #2). Within forty-eight to 72 hours after familiarization (Visit #2), participants will return to the lab for Visit #3 to complete INT exercise and TTE, a 2-hour passive recovery period including the consumption of one of three treatments (CHO, CHO-P, PLA), followed by repeated INT exercise and TTE, heart rate variability and sweat rate determination. Participants will also complete the Nutritional Recovery Practices, Knowledge, and Beliefs of Australian Triathletes survey during the 2-hour recovery period. Participants will be asked to complete the ASA24®, an automated self-administered 24-hour dietary assessment tool during the 5-9-day period between familiarization (Visit #2) and the experimental protocol (Visit #3).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men between the ages of 35 and 59 years
• Free of any physical limitations as determined by the Exercise Preparticipation Health Screening Questionnaire for Exercise Professionals (PHSQEP), and a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+)
• Regularly engaged in endurance exercise (running, cycling, swimming) for a minimum of three years, a weekly training volume of 5-10 hours, and a maximal oxygen uptake of 45.00 ml·kg-1·min-1 or higher as determined by completion of VO2peak assessment (Visit #1).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Recent musculoskeletal injuries or surgeries
• Any chronic illness that requires continuous medical care
• Current incarceration, cognitive impairment or inability to provide consent
• Present or past use of performance-enhancing drugs