A 6-Week Ketogenic Diet Enhances the Phosphocreatine Energy System Contribution During Intermittent Sprints

Abstract

Purpose

Team sports often involve intermittent sprints. During these activities the Phosphocreatine-ATP buffer (ATP-PCr) signifies the major anaerobic energy substrate. While the effects of ketogenic diets (KD) on carbohydrate and fat metabolism during endurance exercise are widely reported, we explored keto-adaptation in ATP-PCr metabolism during intermittent sprint exercise.

Methods

Following a within-subject repeated measures design, 15 recreationally active participants (7 men, 8 women, aged 25.1±6.4 years) performed cycle ergometer intermittent sprints (6×10 s sprints, 2 min recovery) with VO₂ and blood lactate measurements for energy system calculations. These laboratory tests were performed in alternate weeks; First, twice at baseline on their habitual diet (HD) (35% CHO, 45% fat, 20% protein) and thereafter over a 6-week KD (7% CHO, 66% fat, 28% protein).

Results

Repeated measures ANOVA’s and Bonferroni tests revealed ATP-PCr derived energy increased significantly from HD to KD week 6 (+22.0±43.15 J; P=0.019; ES=0.47). From HD to KD week 2, anaerobic glycolytic contribution lowered (− 14.4±28.16 J; P=0.031; ES=− 0.10) and peak blood [lactate] reduced significantly (− 2.92±0.851 mmol; P=0.004; ES=− 0.73). There was no statistically significant within-subject change in mean sprint power (P=0.356).

Conclusion

The 6-week KD did not compromise intermittent sprint performance. The findings suggest that the ATP-PCr energy pathway may be a novel site of metabolic keto-adaptation. This, combined with the lowered blood [lactate] we observed, presents desirable metabolic adaptations for intermittent sprint sport athletes.

Keywords

Keto-adaptation / Intermittent sprints / ATP-PCr / Creatine / Lactic acid

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Funding

Stellenbosch University

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

The Author(s)