Vol 16, Issue 2

The effects of carbohydrate intake on body composition and muscular strength in trained men undergoing a progressive resistance training

February 15, 2023 - By 

Authors

Alex Silva Ribeiro, Londrina State University
Kamila Quintilhano, University Pitágoras UNOPAR
Witalo Kassiano, Londrina State University
João Pedro Nunes, Londrina State University
Ademar Avelar, State University of Maringá
Michele C. Trindade, State University of Maringá
Andreo Aguiar, University Pitágoras UNOPAR
Brad Schoenfeld, Lehman College, NY, USA
EDILSON Serpeloni CYRINO, Londrina State University
International Journal of Exercise Science 16(2): 267-280, 2023.
DOI:10.70252/YMUX1745

Abstract

This study’s purpose was to compare the effects of different carbohydrate (CHO) intakes on body composition and muscular strength following eight weeks of resistance training (RT) in pre-conditioned men. In addition, we explored the individual responses to different CHO intakes. Twenty-nine young men volunteered to participate in this study. The participants were divided into two groups according to their relative CHO intake: lower (L-CHO; n = 14) and higher (H-CHO; n = 15). Participants performed a RT program four days a week for eight weeks. The lean soft tissue (LST) and fat mass were determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Muscular strength was determined by a one-repetition maximum (1RM) test in the bench press, squat, and arm curl exercises. Both groups increased LST (P < 0.05) with no statistical differences between conditions (L-CHO = +0.8% vs. H-CHO = +3.5%). Neither group demonstrated changes in fat mass. Both groups increased 1RM (P < 0.05) in the bench press (L-CHO = +3.6% vs. H-CHO = +5.8%) and squat (L-CHO = +7.5% vs. H-CHO = +9.4%); however, only H-CHO significantly increased arm curl 1RM (P < 0.05) at post-training (L-CHO = +3.0% vs. H-CHO = +6.6%). Responsiveness was greater in H-CHO vs. L-CHO for LST and arm curl 1RM. In conclusion, lower and higher CHO intakes promote similar increase in LST and muscular strength; however, a greater intake may improve the responsiveness to gains in lean mass and arm curl strength in pre-conditioned men.

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