The Effect of Macronutrient Intake on Strength Training Performance

WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Christopher Charles Pullen (Creator)
Institution
Western Carolina University (WCU )
Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
Advisor
Beth Wall-Bassett

Abstract: Introduction: Strength training encompasses a variety of athletic disciplines and is important for maintaining good health. Athletes that pursue strength training may have a variety of goals and diet is an important factor in their performance. However, dietary recommendations for strength athletes has not been established. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze the current body of evidence to determine the effect of macronutrient intake on strength training performance.? Methodology: After the researches developed their PICO question, they drafted a search plan. The search plan includes a set of inclusion criteria to determine the applicability of studies found via the Google Scholar and PubMed databases, yielding 2,730 articles. The desired study population included healthy, trained male and female strength athletes aged 18 to 63 YO.? Results: Currently 4 articles met the inclusion criteria with 1 being excluded after a quality control criteria analysis. In the case of body composition, data suggests that high protein, low fat diets with a caloric deficit increases retention of lean body mass in two separate studies. In terms of strength performance, moderate protein, moderate fat diets suggest greater retention of strength over a high protein, low fat diet when in a caloric deficit. Additionally, a low carbohydrate ketogenic diet resulted in the greatest weight loss without decreased strength. Furthermore, a high carbohydrate diet increased the overall workload capacity of CrossFit athletes compared to a low carbohydrate diet. ? Conclusion: Depending on the goals of the individual athlete, dietary modifications following these guidelines may benefit strength athletes: A high protein, low fat diet may be used if weight loss and lean body mass retention is desired. Athletes could consider either a moderate protein, moderate fat or ketogenic diet if weight loss and strength retention is desired. For overall performance in strength athletes without consideration for anthropometrics, a high carbohydrate diet may be beneficial.

Additional Information

Publication
Other
Poster submitted to the 2020 Research and Scholarship Conference, Western Carolina University.
Language: English
Date: 2020
Keywords
macronutrient, strength training, ketogenic diet

Email this document to