Who would gain the most benefit from carbohydrate loading?

• A. Brian, who is planning on running a 5k tomorrow morning.
• B. Natalie, who is preparing for an iron man triathlon the next day.
• C. Steve, who is about to play basketball for 45 minutes.
• D. Christine, a track athlete who has a 400-meter race coming up.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of carbohydrate loading: Carbohydrate loading is a strategy used by endurance athletes to maximize the storage of glycogen (energy) in muscles before a prolonged or intense physical activity. It is most beneficial for activities lasting longer than 90 minutes.
2. Evaluate the duration and intensity of each activity: A 5k run typically lasts around 20-30 minutes, a basketball game is about 45 minutes, and a 400-meter race is a short sprint. An ironman triathlon, however, involves swimming, cycling, and running, often lasting several hours.
3. Determine the energy demands of each activity: Short-duration activities like a 5k run, basketball, or a 400-meter race rely more on immediate energy sources like muscle glycogen and do not require carbohydrate loading. In contrast, an ironman triathlon requires sustained energy over a long period, making carbohydrate loading beneficial.
4. Match the benefits of carbohydrate loading to the appropriate athlete: Since carbohydrate loading is designed to enhance endurance performance in long-duration events, it would be most beneficial for Natalie, who is preparing for an ironman triathlon.
5. Conclude that carbohydrate loading is unnecessary for shorter activities: For Brian, Steve, and Christine, their events are too short to deplete glycogen stores significantly, so carbohydrate loading would not provide a meaningful advantage.