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HMS, BM 2019 HSC 22

Justify whether carbohydrate loading could improve performance for an athlete competing in a 100-metre running race.   (4 marks)

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Position Statement

  • Carbohydrate loading would not improve 100-metre sprint performance.

Primary Evidence

  • 100-metre races use the ATP-PCr system, which relies on creatine phosphate, not carbohydrates.
  • This system provides energy for activities lasting 10-15 seconds without requiring glycogen.
  • The race intensity and duration mean carbohydrate stores remain unused.

Secondary Evidence

  • Carbohydrate loading benefits endurance events exceeding 90 minutes where glycogen depletion occurs.
  • Sprint events do not deplete muscle glycogen stores, making carbohydrate loading irrelevant for performance enhancement.

Reinforcement

  • Evidence confirms carbohydrate loading offers no benefit since sprinting operates independently of carbohydrate metabolism.

Show Worked Solution

Position Statement

  • Carbohydrate loading would not improve 100-metre sprint performance.

Primary Evidence

  • 100-metre races use the ATP-PCr system, which relies on creatine phosphate, not carbohydrates.
  • This system provides energy for activities lasting 10-15 seconds without requiring glycogen.
  • The race intensity and duration mean carbohydrate stores remain unused.

Secondary Evidence

  • Carbohydrate loading benefits endurance events exceeding 90 minutes where glycogen depletion occurs.
  • Sprint events do not deplete muscle glycogen stores, making carbohydrate loading irrelevant for performance enhancement.

Reinforcement

  • Evidence confirms carbohydrate loading offers no benefit since sprinting operates independently of carbohydrate metabolism.

♦♦ Mean mark 51%.