Background: Pre-exercise carbohydrate intake is known to influence performance; however,
data describing their effect on cardiorespiratory parameters is scarce. This study
aimed to assess the effects of isotonic drink consumption on cardiopulmonary exercise
test (CPET) parameters in elitemale youth basketball players. Methods: The athletes
were randomized into a fasting (400 ml mineral water) and an isotonic drink (400 ml
7% isotonic solution) group respectively, and consumed the drinks 30 minutes before
the CPET. Pre-, peak- and post-CPET glucose levels were measured. Borg and lactate
were assessed every 2 minutes during the test. Results: Seventy-one athletes (age:
15.9 +/- 1.8 years) were included in the study. The isotonic drink group had higher
pre- and post-CPET glucose levels (p < 0.05). They reported a lower Borg scale at
the 2nd, 6th, and 10th minutes (p < 0.05), while their lactate levels were lower at
the 14th minute (p < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that fasting was associated
with higher Borg scale ratings (beta-coefficient: 0.72, p < 0.001) and increased lactate
accumulation over time (beta-coefficient: 0.13, p = 0.01). No difference was found
in exercise duration or maximal aerobic capacity. Conclusions: Single-dose isotonic
drink consumption before CPET reduces perceived exertion and moderates lactate accumulation,
which may suggest a beneficial effect during the exercise test.
