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Adherence to a ketogenic low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet is associated with diminished training quality in elite racewalkers
McKay, Alannah K. A. Ross, Megan L. R. Tee, Nicolin Sharma, Avish P. Leckey, Jill J. Burke, Louise M.
McKay, Alannah K. A.
Ross, Megan L. R.
Tee, Nicolin
Sharma, Avish P.
Leckey, Jill J.
Burke, Louise M.
Abstract
Purpose: To examine the effects of a high-carbohydrate diet (HCHO), periodized-carbohydrate (CHO) diet (PCHO), and ketogenic low-CHO high-fat diet (LCHF) on training capacity. Methods: Elite male racewalkers completed 3 weeks of periodic training while adhering to their dietary intervention. Twenty-nine data sets were collected from 21 athletes. Each week, 6 mandatory training sessions were completed, with additional sessions performed at the athlete’s discretion. Mandatory sessions included an interval session (10 × 1-km efforts on a 6-min cycle), tempo session (14 km with a 450-m elevation gain), 2 long walks (25–40 km), and 2 easy walks (8–12 km) where “sleep-low” and “train-low” dietary strategies were employed for PCHO. Racewalking speed, heart rate, rating of perceived exhaustion, and blood metabolites were collected around key sessions. Results: LCHF covered less total distance than HCHO and PCHO (P < .001); however, no differences in training load between groups were evident (P = .285). During the interval sessions, walking speed was slower in LCHF (P = .001), equating to a 2.8% and 5.6% faster speed in HCHO and PCHO, respectively. LCHF was also 3.2% slower in completing the tempo session than HCHO and PCHO (P = .001). Heart rate was higher (P = .002) and lactate concentrations were lower (P < .001) in LCHF compared to other groups, despite slower walking speeds during the interval session. No between-groups differences in rating of perceived exhaustion were evident (P = .077). Conclusion: Athletes adhering to an LCHF diet showed impaired training capacity relative to their high-CHO-supported counterparts, completing lower training volumes at slower speeds, with higher heart rates.
Keywords
ketones, periodized, lactate, endurance training, CHO availability, athlete
Date
2023
Type
Journal article
Journal
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
Book
Volume
18
Issue
7
Page Range
686-694
Article Number
ACU Department
Centre for Exercise and Nutrition
Faculty of Health Sciences
Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research
Faculty of Health Sciences
Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled