Evaluate the role of carbohydrate loading and glycaemic index in preparing for endurance events. (8 marks)
--- 28 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---
Show Answers Only
Sample Answer
Evaluation Statement:
- Carbohydrate loading and glycaemic index selection are highly effective strategies for optimising endurance performance when used together.
Carbohydrate Loading Effectiveness:
- Strongly meets fuel requirements by maximising glycogen storage for extended endurance events.
- Involves tapering training while substantially increasing carbohydrate intake over several days.
- Proves highly effective as glycogen is the primary fuel for the aerobic energy system.
- Without loading, performance significantly declines when glycogen stores become depleted during prolonged events.
- Athletes achieve substantially increased muscle glycogen through effective loading protocols.
Glycaemic Index Application:
- Low GI foods effectively provide sustained energy release throughout endurance events.
- Complex carbohydrates like porridge and wholegrain bread maintain steady energy and preserve glycogen stores during exercise.
- Consuming low GI foods several hours pre-event maintains stable blood glucose levels.
- High GI foods during events provide rapid glucose when immediate energy is needed.
- Endurance athletes strategically use sports drinks and gels to prevent energy crashes.
Combined Strategy Benefits:
- Together, these strategies ensure both maximum stored energy and continuous glucose availability.
- Loading addresses baseline glycogen storage while GI management maintains energy throughout performance.
- This combination specifically supports the aerobic system’s heavy reliance on carbohydrate fuel.
- Both strategies work synergistically to extend endurance capacity.
Final Evaluation:
- Both strategies prove highly effective when properly implemented together for endurance events.
- Carbohydrate loading is essential for events lasting over ninety minutes.
- Strategic GI selection optimises both preparation and performance phases equally.
- Athletes neglecting either strategy risk significantly compromised endurance performance.
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer
Evaluation Statement:
- Carbohydrate loading and glycaemic index selection are highly effective strategies for optimising endurance performance when used together.
Carbohydrate Loading Effectiveness:
- Strongly meets fuel requirements by maximising glycogen storage for extended endurance events.
- Involves tapering training while substantially increasing carbohydrate intake over several days.
- Proves highly effective as glycogen is the primary fuel for the aerobic energy system.
- Without loading, performance significantly declines when glycogen stores become depleted during prolonged events.
- Athletes achieve substantially increased muscle glycogen through effective loading protocols.
Glycaemic Index Application:
- Low GI foods effectively provide sustained energy release throughout endurance events.
- Complex carbohydrates like porridge and wholegrain bread maintain steady energy and preserve glycogen stores during exercise.
- Consuming low GI foods several hours pre-event maintains stable blood glucose levels.
- High GI foods during events provide rapid glucose when immediate energy is needed.
- Endurance athletes strategically use sports drinks and gels to prevent energy crashes.
Combined Strategy Benefits:
- Together, these strategies ensure both maximum stored energy and continuous glucose availability.
- Loading addresses baseline glycogen storage while GI management maintains energy throughout performance.
- This combination specifically supports the aerobic system’s heavy reliance on carbohydrate fuel.
- Both strategies work synergistically to extend endurance capacity.
Final Evaluation:
- Both strategies prove highly effective when properly implemented together for endurance events.
- Carbohydrate loading is essential for events lasting over ninety minutes.
- Strategic GI selection optimises both preparation and performance phases equally.
- Athletes neglecting either strategy risk significantly compromised endurance performance.