Effect of Macronutrient Composition of An Energy-Restrictive Diet on Maximal Physical Performance

Authors

Christopher B. Scott PhD, University of Southern MaineFollow
Ruth Carpenter, The Cooper Institute for Aerobic Research
Angela Taylor, The Cooper Institute for Aerobic Research
Neil Fasch Gordon PhD, The Cooper Institute for Aerobic Research

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

7-1992

Publication Title

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise

Abstract

Effect of macronutrient composition of an energy-restrictive diet on maximal physical performance. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 24, No. 7, pp. 814–818,1992. Thirty-six sedentary, mildly obese (30–40% fat), premenopausal women (29–49 yr) were randomly assigned to one of two dietary regimens for an 8-wk double-blind, parallel study of the effect of moderate caloric restriction and macronutrient variation on maximal physical performance. Group 1 (N = 19) consumed 4186 kJ·d-1 (1000 kcal·d-1) with a diet composition of 40% fat, 40% carbohydrate (CHO), and 20% protein. Group 2 (N = 17) also consumed 4186 kJ·d-1 but varied the percent kilojoules to 20% fat, 60% CHO, and 20% protein. Maximal aerobic power was measured using a modified Balke protocol, strength was assessed using isotonic bench and leg press machines and a Cybex 340 isoki-netic device during knee flexion and extension, and muscular endurance was taken as the number of sit-ups performed in 1 min. Pre- to post-testing revealed significant (P ≤ 0.05) reductions in body weight (group 1, −7.4 kg; group 2, −6.5 kg) within both groups. No significant changes were seen in maximal aerobic power within both groups. Strength measures for both groups showed a trend toward reduction but statistical significance was only evident in right knee extension for group 1 and left knee extension for group 2 (P ≤ 0.05). Sit-up number increased nonsignificantly for both groups. Between group differences were not found in any body weight, body composition, or physical performance index. We therefore conclude that in mildly obese women, maximal exercise performance is relatively unimpaired after 8 wk of caloric restriction with either of two diets differing moderately in their macronutrient content.

Comments

©1992The American College of Sports Medicine

Recommended Citation

Scott, Christopher & Carpenter, Ruth & Taylor, Angela & Gordon, Neil. (1992). Effect of macronutrient composition of an energy-restrictive diet on maximal physical performance. Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 24. 814-8. 10.1249/00005768-199207000-00012.