Exercise performance in relation to glucose drink and their effect on some biochemical parameters

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the effect of glucose drink on marathon running and on some biochemical parameters. Seven untrained athletes (male students) participated in this study and were engaged in marathon running with and without intake of glucose drink (1g/kg body weight) in a double blind procedure. Blood samples were collected at 0, 30, 60 and 150 minutes for serum glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol and PCV estimation. There were significant increases in serum glucose (F=13.01; P<0.01) and triglyceride (F=6.87; P<0.01) following pre-exercise glucose drink, while PCV remained unchanged with or without pre-exercise glucose drink. Greater than 80% of the subjects covered more distance with glucose intake than without glucose drink. It is concluded that carbohydrate intake prior to exercise may enhance exercise performance and spares glycogen and lipid utilization.

Keywords: glucose ingestion, marathon exercise, triglyceride, cholesterol

Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences Vol. 20(1&2) 2005: 43-47