Sport Performance Physiology Lab Report
Investigating the affect an increased intake of carbohydrates has on cycling performance.

B00218986.

WORD COUNT: 3220.
PAGES: 22.

Contents

1. Contents Page 2
2. Abstract Page 3
3. Introduction Page 4
4. Methodology Page 6
5. Results Page 11
6. Discussion Page 16
7. Conclusion Page 19

Tables and Figures
Comparison of Average Distance Cycled Figure 1.1
Comparison of Mean Average Velocity Figure 1.2
Comparison of Average Heart Rate Figure 2.1
Comparison of Average Rate of Perceived Exertion Figure 2.2
Comparison of Blood Lactate Figure 3.1
Comparison of Blood Glucose Figure 3.2
Comparison of Individual Distances vs Average Distance Table 4.1
Measurement of Participants’ Improvements Table 4.2
Participant Three’s Results Table 4.3
8.
Abstract
Introduction
The aim of the investigation was to study the effect increasing the consumption of carbohydrates had on participants’ performance in a forty-minute time-trial cycle on a stationary ‘Watt-bike.’
Methodology
Five participants (four male; one female) volunteered to participate in a study that required them to carry out two time-trials on a ‘Watt-bike.’ Each performance was spaced seven days apart, and were under instructions to replicate a similar diet prior to both performances. On both occasions, participants were given a solution to consume between one and two hours before performance. On one occasion, they received a low carbohydrate solution (containing artificial sweetener) and on the other, they received a high carbohydrate solution (containing twenty-four grams of sugar). Testing conditions were replicated to prevent external factors. Participants were equipped with heart rate monitors, had to provide urine and blood samples for analysis and asked to perform to a maximal effort.
Results
On average, there was an improvement between consuming a low carbohydrate solution and a high carbohydrate solution. Improvements occurred in distance covered (22.3 +/- 3 km increasing to 23.18 +/- 2.8 km), average velocity (33.4 +/- 3.7 km/h increasing to 34.49 +/- 3.33 km/h) and a decrease in the rate of perceived exertion (15 +/- 2 decreasing to 14 +/- 2).

Discussion
Apart from in one participants performance, where improvements were drastic, the average improvements that occurred were very slight. This was mainly due to there being a problem with the relevance of the study. The increase in carbohydrates would positively affect studies based on a sporting performance that is focused on the use of type 2a and type 2b muscle fibres. These muscle fibres require a vast number of carbohydrates to receive energy. A cycling time-trial is focused highly on slow-twitch muscle fibres that obtain energy through an oxidative process that does not require a vast amount of carbohydrates to operate.
Conclusion
The study should be repeated using a sport such as shot putt that requires the use of type 2a and type 2b muscle fibres.
Introduction
The aim of the investigation was to discover the effects increased carbohydrate intake has on performance. The performance in question was a forty-minute cycle on a stationary ‘Watt-bike.’

The investigation was centred on five participants, of novice ability level, undergoing two forty-minute bike time trials. Each time trial was seven days apart, with a twenty-four hour dietary control before performance. The participants were required to consume a pre-supplied fluid between one and two hours before performance on both occasions. The fluid provided differed for the each time trial. On one occasion, participants were provided with a low-carbohydrate solution – containing an artificial sweetener (Drink A). One the opposite occasion, they were provided with a high carbohydrate solution – containing twenty-four grams of sugars (Drink B).