The effects of carbohydrate ‐ or fluid‐restriction on physical and cognitive performance of collegiate wrestlers

This study compared the effects of a carbohydrate restriction diet (CRD) and fluid restriction diet (FRD) on muscular power and cognitive performance. Six wrestlers completed cognitive testing before and after an exercise circuit (EC) of six repeated Wingate tests, vertical jump sets and bench presses. In a randomized crossover design, subjects were tested after both CRD and FRD. Initial Wingate mean and peak power and jump height were similar after both diets and showed a similar decline during EC of 8.5%, 23% and 19%, respectively. Initial jump peak power and work, and bench press power were greater after FRD than CRD, 23%, 23%, and 15%, respectively. During EC there was a 30% decline in jump peak power and work, but only with FRD. After EC, simple reaction time was 14% slower with FRD. The percent correct answered in delayed code substitution decreased after EC in both diets by 19% with CRD and 16 % with FRD. After EC, salivary cortisol increased with FRD, while salivary α‐amylase increased with CRD. Sublingual flow rate was decreased after EC in both diets, while parotid flow rate decreased only in FRD. In conclusion, the exercise circuit reduced vertical jump, bench press, Wingate performance and cognitive function, irrespective of dietary condition. After the fluid restriction diet, wrestlers had greater initial jump height, jump peak power, and bench press power compared to a carbohydrate restriction diet. Grant Funding Source : Departmental