Table 3 Summary of reviewed group-level observational studies relating to peak week CHO manipulation in physique athletes
From: Peak Week Carbohydrate Manipulation Practices in Physique Athletes: A Narrative Review
References | Sample | Methods | Relevant findings |
|---|---|---|---|
Lamar-Hildebrand et al. [92] | Ten F (six bodybuilders, four non-competitors) | 3-Day food records and self-report questionnaires on weeks 8, 4, and 2 prior to and the weekend of competition | Competitors increased total energy and CHO intake on the week and weekend of competition. No placing or body composition data reported |
Bamman et al. [29] | Six enhanced M bodybuilders (25-29yrs) | Collection of 3-day food records and biceps UMT and UST on weeks 12, 6 and 0 pre-competition | All competitors engaged in a CL protocol 72 h before competition. From weeks 6 to 0 before competition, UMT↑ while UST↓ (both non-significant) |
Walberg-Rankin et al. [91] | Six F bodybuilders (27.3 ± 5.1yrs) | Collection of food records from 28 to 26, 9 to 7, and 2 to 1 day(s) pre-competition, competition day to 2 days post, and 19–21 days post-competition | ↑CHO and ↓fat consumption in the 2 days prior to competition in comparison to 9–7 days pre-competition |
Nunes et al. [95] | Eleven untested M state-level bodybuilding and physique competitors (28.8 ± 4.1yrs) | Body composition assessment of competitors in the afternoon the day before and on competition day. Relevant outcome measures include muscle girths and BW fractions derived from single-frequency BIA. No dietary intakes recorded | No changes in girths and significant ↑ in ICW, ICW/ECW, and TBW were observed. Hypothesised by authors that this was induced by CHO manipulation |