| Summary: | Background: Previous research has reported that elite Gaelic football players’ carbohydrate (CHO) intakes are sub-optimal, especially, in the lead up to competitive matches. Despite clear decrements in running performance across elite Gaelic football matches, there are no studies that have investigated nutrition interventions on match-related Gaelic football performance. The aim of this study was to determine whether a higher-CHO diet in line with sports nutrition guidelines can improve Gaelic football-related performance compared to lower CHO intakes previously observed in Gaelic footballers. Methods: Twelve Gaelic football players completed a Gaelic football simulation protocol (GFSP) on two occasions after consuming a high-CHO diet (7 g·kg<sup>−1</sup>) (HCHO) or an energy-matched lower-CHO diet (3.5 g·kg<sup>−1</sup>) (L-CHO) for 48 h. Movement demands and heart rate were measured using portable global positioning systems devices. Countermovement jump height (CMJ) and repeated-sprint ability (RSA) were measured throughout each trial. Expired respiratory gases were collected throughout the trial using a portable gas analyser. Blood samples were taken at rest, half-time, and post-simulation. Results: There was no significant difference in total distance (<i>p</i> = 0.811; η<sup>2</sup> = 0.005) or high-speed running distance (HSRD) covered between both trials. However, in the second half of the HCHO trial, HSRD was significantly greater compared to the second half of the LCHO trial (<i>p</i> = 0.015). Sprint distance covered during GFSP was significantly greater in HCHO (8.1 ± 3.5 m·min<sup>−1</sup>) compared with LCHO (6.4 ± 3.2 m·min<sup>−1</sup>) (<i>p</i> = 0.011; η<sup>2</sup> = 0.445). RSA performance (<i>p</i> < 0.0001; η<sup>2</sup> = 0.735) and lower body power (CMJ) (<i>p</i> < 0.0001; η<sup>2</sup> = 0.683) were significantly greater during the HCHO trial compared to LCHO. Overall CHO oxidation rates were significantly greater under HCHO conditions compared to LCHO (3.3 ± 0.5 vs. 2.7 ± 0.6 g·min<sup>−1</sup>) (<i>p</i> < 0.001; η<sup>2</sup> = 0.798). Blood lactate concentrations were significantly higher during HCHO trial versus LCHO (<i>p</i> = 0.026; η<sup>2</sup> = 0.375). There were no significant differences in plasma glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), and glycerol concentration between trials. In both trials, all blood metabolites were significantly elevated at half-time and post-trial compared to pre-trial. Conclusion: These findings indicate that a higher-CHO diet can reduce declines in physical performance during simulated Gaelic football match play.
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