Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness
Volume 8, Issue 1 , Pages 34-40, June 2010

Gastric Emptying Rate of Young Cyclists by Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Three Case Studies

  • Verónica Montfort-Steiger

      Affiliations

    • Children's Health and Exercise Research Centre, School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
    • ,
  • Craig Anthony Williams

      Affiliations

    • Children's Health and Exercise Research Centre, School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding Author Craig A. Williams, Children's Health and Exercise Research Centre, School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, St. Luke's Campus, Heavitree Road, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
    • ,
  • Neil Armstrong

      Affiliations

    • Children's Health and Exercise Research Centre, School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
    • ,
  • Jonathan Fulford

      Affiliations

    • Peninsula Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK

Article Outline

Gastric emptying rate during exercise has been documented in adult athletes, but not in younger athletes because of the utilization of invasive techniques. However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive alternative. The aim of this study was to pilot the sequencing of MRI to a typical fluid intake strategy, in order to assess the viability of the procedure. Therefore, we compared the gastric emptying rate of water and a carbohydrate drink in three well-trained 17-year-old cyclists using MRI. Each participant cycled 4 bouts of 15 minutes each at moderate intensity followed by a ∼15-minute time trial. Water or carbohydrate drinks were distributed in amounts of 200–250 mL. After an initial baseline MRI scan, cyclists ingested the first drink, cycled 15 minutes, followed by an MRI scan to assess remaining gastric volume. This feeding-exercise-scanning protocol was repeated thereafter. Relative to the initial volume at the start of the time trial, 69% and 72% of water and carbohydrate emptied during the time trial. MRI appears to be a feasible technique to assess gastric emptying rates in youth cyclists.

Keywords:  athletes , carbohydrates , fluids , methodology , time trial

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PII: S1728-869X(10)60005-6

doi:10.1016/S1728-869X(10)60005-6

Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness
Volume 8, Issue 1 , Pages 34-40, June 2010

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