Table 4 Summary of reviewed experimental studies relating to peak week CHO manipulation in physique athletes
From: Peak Week Carbohydrate Manipulation Practices in Physique Athletes: A Narrative Review
References | Sample | Study design | Methods | Relevant findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Balon et al. [135] | Nine resistance-trained M (23 ± 4.4yrs) | Crossover | Experimental arm: 3 days of isoenergetic, low-CHO diet and intense resistance training followed by two days of isoenergetic, high-CHO diet and tapered resistance training Control arm: 3 days of isoenergetic, moderate-CHO diet and intense resistance training followed by two days of isoenergetic, moderate-CHO diet and tapered resistance training | No significant changes in muscle girths between groups |
de Moraes et al. [30] | 24 (15 CL, 9 NCL) South American, untested, M bodybuilders (CL = 27.3 ± 5.0, NCL = 26.2 ± 4.9yrs) | Quasi-experimental | Stratification of competitors into CL or NCL groups. Collection of UMTs, circumferences, gastrointestinal symptoms, and mood states following 3-day CD and 1-day CL. Photographs of the participants at data collection were rated by seven federated bodybuilding according to a photo silhouette scale [129]. Food diaries of the final 4 days pre-competition were collected | Both groups ↑ energy and CHO intake from the CD period for which the magnitude was greater in the loading group. ↑ in UMT, circumferences, and silhouette scores were observed in the CL group. Mood disturbances ↑ slightly in both groups, as did gastrointestinal symptoms which were greater in the CL group |