Results

The data that the scientists got from their experiment.

The results of this study were that carbohydrate feedings during prolonged exercise delayed fatigue by one hour. As seen by the results of the carbohydrate feeding during the bicyclists' extensive exercise, glycogen utilization is not spared in the muscle.

Generally, carbohydrate adminsistration may result in increased utilization of blood glucose with a proportional slowing of muscle glycogen depletion. What this means is that muscle glycogen shows no correlation in the delay of fatigue--and that carbohydrate was not being utilized for energy in this situation.

What researchers found however, was that in both the placebo and CHO trials, muscle glycogen levels were quite similarily utilized (depleting at an average rate). The experiment showed that when plasma glucose was maintained at 4-5 mM through carbohydrate intake, the rate of total carbohydrate oxidation was held constant and subjects were able to exercise for an hour extra.

On the other hand, when the glucose availability was reduced, the total rate of carbohydrate oxidation was compromised and intensive exercise could not be maintained. What this information proved is that carbohydrate intake during extensive exercise is used to maintain plasma glucose levels, which in turn delays fatigue.