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Effect of carbohydrate ingestion subsequent to carbohydrate supercompensation on endurance performance.

PMID 8605519 (1995): taper — Time-trial performance, Time to exhaustion (study note for endurance athletes).

Last updated/Feb 23, 2026, 10:34 PM

Study note • PMID 8605519

Effect of carbohydrate ingestion subsequent to carbohydrate supercompensation on endurance performance.

International journal of sport nutrition1995 • DOI 10.1123/ijsn.5.4.329
Evidence B71/100
Action 1: Default

Low risk + high feasibility for most athletes.

ELI5

In plain language

This investigation determined whether carbohydrate ingestion during prolonged moderate-intensity exercise enhanced endurance performance when the exercise was preceded by carbohydrate supercompensation. (randomized trial; trained cyclists).

The abstract suggests a positive effect on Time-trial performance, Time to exhaustion under the tested conditions. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.

Takeaways

What the abstract suggests

  • Study question: This investigation determined whether carbohydrate ingestion during prolonged moderate-intensity exercise enhanced endurance performance when the exercise was preceded by carbohydrate supercompensation.
  • The abstract suggests a positive effect on Time-trial performance, Time to exhaustion under the tested conditions.
  • Population: trained cyclists.
  • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 20 min.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: taper (vs placebo).
  • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 20 min.
  • Outcomes: Time-trial performance, Time to exhaustion.
  • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.

Fit

Who it helps, and who should skip it

Who it helps

  • Athletes similar to the study population (trained cyclists) working on tapering.
  • Athletes who can measure Time-trial performance, Time to exhaustion with a repeatable workout or time-trial effort.

Who should skip

  • If you have symptoms or conditions that make the intervention risky, get professional guidance.
  • If you’re near race day and can’t safely test, defer the experiment.

Methods

What the study actually did

  • Design: randomized trial (placebo-controlled).
  • Population: trained cyclists.
  • Comparator: placebo.
  • Outcomes measured: Time-trial performance, Time to exhaustion.
  • Protocol cues mentioned: 20 min.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 8605519 (1995) — International journal of sport nutrition.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

Seven male trained cyclists performed two trials at an initial power output corresponding to 71 +/- 1% of their peak oxygen consumption.

Note: excerpts are short; for full context, read the paper.

Limits

Limitations & bias

  • Abstract-only summaries can miss critical details (population, protocol, adherence, and context).
  • Single studies often don’t generalize to your event, history, and training load; treat results as a starting point.
  • If your context differs (elite vs recreational; cycling vs running), adjust expectations and be conservative.
  • This is performance information, not medical advice.

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Sources