The effects of dietary carbohydrate on muscle glycogen metabolism and performance in an 80 minute rugby simulation

Rugby union forward play is characterised by intense, intermittent periods of exercise requiring high levels of aerobic fitness and substantial anaerobic power. The effects of a high and low carbohydrate diet for the three days preceding a simulation trial were studied in 10 male rugby forwards (23 ± 4 yr, 189 ± 7 cm, 96 ± 9 kg). A randomised, cross-over protocol involving two 80 min rugby simulation trials, separated by one week, was used. Subjects consumed either a high carbohydrate (HCHO) diet (>8 g.kg-1) or a low carbohydrate (LCHO) diet (