Abstract - Prior carbohydrate ingestion increases hand grip strength and reduced subjective perception of effort in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fight
Introduction. The effects of pre-exercise carbohydrate (CHO) intake are already well established in the literature, and generally address the outcomes of CHO restriction on physical abilities. The scarcity of studies investigating consumption at different moments and in specific populations is highlighted.
Aim. The aim of the present study was to evaluate hand grip strength (HGS) and blood glucose, and perceived exertion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) athletes after carbohydrate intake at different times.
Materials and Methods. In total, 12 athletes participated, divided into three groups (n=4): Control Group (CG = without supplementation); Experimental group 1 (GE1 = supplementation immediately before a fight); and Experimental group 2 (GE2 = supplementation 30 minutes before a fight). HGS was measured with a JAMAR® hydraulic analog dynamometer in the moments before and after the fight. Blood glucose was measured at pre and post fight and 5, 10, and 15 minutes after the fight using the colorimetric method with a spectrophotometer. The perception of the intensity of effort was verified using an adapted Borg scale.
Results. Significant increases in HGS and blood glucose were observed between test intervals only for GE2. The perception of effort was greater for CG.
Conclusion. Ingestion of CHO before a BJJ fight seems to alleviate subjectively-perceived fatigue and significantly increases HGS and blood glucose levels only when ingested 30 minutes prior to exercise.