CARBOHYDRATE-ELECTROLYTE SOLUTION EFFECTS ON PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE OF MILITARY TASKS

Background: Physical performance of military tasks can deteriorate dur ing field training. Hypothesis: Drinking a carbohydrate-electrolyte (C HO-E) beverage during military relevant training would improve fluid a nd caloric intake, and better sustain physical performance. Methods So me 27 Volunteers restricted to similar to 2600 kcal.d(-1) were randoml y assigned to one of three groups: CHO-E, placebo, or water. Fluid int ake was ad libitum. The volunteers completed 3 d of field training in hot humid conditions (30 degrees C, 60% rh). Training days 1 and 2 eac h included a 16-21 km march over hilly terrain, marksmanship training, and 2 h of rock climbing. Day 3 included a 14.5 km march followed by marksmanship tests, a timed rock climb and a 0.7 km uphill (21% grade) run. Results. The CHO-E beverage provided an additional similar to 28 00 kcal (p<0.05) for the 3 d of training. There were no differences (A NOVA, p>0.05) between the groups' absolute or changes from pre-trainin g values for fluid intake, body weight, climb time, run time, marksman ship, or mood. Those drinking CHO-E were, however, more likely to main tain uphill run performance after training (chi(2) = 7.2; p<0.05) and more likely to maintain both uphill run and marksmanship ability (chi( 2) = 1.7.2: p<0.05). There was also an inverse relationship between ca loric intake and deterioration of uphill run performance [r = -0.75; p <0.05). Conclusions: Persons drinking CHO-E or practicing good food di scipline are more likely to sustain physical performance than those ea ting only a portion of their food. CHO-E provides an accessible source of calories which can be advantageous when limited food is available or inadaquate food consumption is likely.