The Effects of Carbohydrate Mouth-Rinsing on External and Internal Loads in Hydrated Male Ice Hockey Players During On-Ice Scrimmages

Abstract

This research examined the potential beneficial effects of mouth-rinsing (MR) a carbohydrate (CHO) versus placebo (PLA) solution on external and internal loads in hydrated male ice hockey players during three 20-min regulation periods and one 12-min overtime of 3-on-3 on-ice scrimmages. Skaters repeated 2 min shift and rest intervals, with MR every ~10 min. A local positioning system measured external load, and heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion measured internal load. During regulation play, there was similar fatigue between conditions. In overtime, high-intensity distance (224 ± 77 vs. 185 ± 66 m, p = 0.042), peak speed (24.6 ± 1.6 vs. 23.7 ± 1.3 km·h-1, p = 0.02) and sprint number (1.9 ± 1.2 vs. 1.2 ± 0.9, p = 0.01) were significantly higher with CHO versus PLA MR, with no differences in internal load. Overall, players generated greater external loads with CHO MR late in on-ice hockey scrimmages.