Australian Rules football (ARF) is a physically demanding sport that can induce high levels of fatigue. Fatigue may be intensified during periods where multiple matches are played with limited recovery time. Combined carbohydrate and protein (CHO+PRO) intake during physical activity may provide performance and recovery benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate whether CHO+PRO ingestion during ARF matches and training sessions throughout a tournament would enhance performance or recovery in comparison to CHO-only ingestion. ARF players (n = 21) competing in a 7-day National tournament participated in this randomized and double-blinded study. Beverages containing either CHO (n = 10) or CHO+PRO (n = 11) were provided during matches (Day-1, Day-4 and Day-7) and training sessions (Day-2 and Day-3). Countermovement jumps (CMJ), ratings of muscle soreness and autonomic function were assessed throughout the tournament. Gastrointestinal discomfort was measured post-matches. CMJ peak velocity increased in the CHO+PRO group (p = 0.01), but not for the CHO group. There were no differences in the other CMJ variables. In both groups, muscle soreness increased from Day-0 and Day-1 to Day-2 (p < 0.05) but did not remain elevated. R-R intervals (time elapsed between successive peaks in QRS complexes) increased in both groups from Day-1 to Day-7 (MD = 59.85 ms, p < 0.01). Post-match gastrointestinal discomfort was not different (p < >0.05) between groups. When daily dietary protein is adequate (> 1.8 g.kg.d), the ingestion of CHO+PRO during matches and training sessions throughout a tournament does not reduce muscle soreness nor have clear benefits for neuromuscular recovery or modulate autonomic function in junior ARF athletes, compared to CHO alone.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	dietary intervention, vertical jump, congested fixture, HRV, wellness
Research Division:	Health Sciences
Research Group:	Sports science and exercise
Research Field:	Sports science and exercise not elsewhere classified
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Specific population health (excl. Indigenous health)
Objective Field:	Specific population health (excl. Indigenous health) not elsewhere classified
UTAS Author:	Lee, NA (Mr Nathan Lee)
UTAS Author:	Fell, JW (Associate Professor James Fell)
UTAS Author:	Pitchford, NW (Dr Nathan Pitchford)
UTAS Author:	Hall, AH (Mr Andrew Hall)
UTAS Author:	Kitic, CM (Dr Cecilia Kitic)
ID Code:	115851
Year Published:	2017
Web of Science® Times Cited:	1
Deposited By:	Health Sciences
Deposited On:	2017-04-13
Last Modified:	2018-09-25
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