Carbohydrate loading and deploying forces.

Abstract

The physical demands faced by soldiers of the U.S. Army are in many ways similar to those experienced by endurance-event athletes. Mission success, and even life itself, depend on physical stamina. This article examines the possibility that carbohydrate loading, as practiced by endurance athletes, may prove to be an ergogenic aid that enhances this endurance. Although the negative side effects of the classic carbohydrate-loading procedure would hinder the critical pre-mission activities, a modified carbohydrate-loading approach attains the same benefits without the adverse side effects. The mechanisms for implementing the modified carbohydrate-loading regimen are already in place within the current unit structure of the U.S. Army. A proposed pilot study would ascertain if the current research data on carbohydrate loading could be generalized to the deploying soldiers of the U.S. Army.