Carbohydrate Ingestion before Exercise for Individuals with McArdle Disease: Survey Evidence of Implementation and Perception in Real-World Settings

Abstract

In individuals with McArdle disease (IWMD), the ingestion of carbohydrates before exercise has previously been shown in laboratory studies to significantly decrease the exercising symptoms of the condition and increase exercise tolerance during the early stages of exercise. As a result, carbohydrate ingestion pre-exercise is currently included in management guidelines, and often advised by medical professionals treating the condition. The aim of the current study was to determine whether positive lab-based results for the ingestion of carbohydrate before exercise in laboratory studies are being effectively translated into practice and produce perceptions of the same positive outcomes in real-world settings (RWS). An online survey method was used to collect responses from 108 IWMD. Data collected on the amount and type of carbohydrate consumed prior to exercise found that most surveyed participants (69.6%) who supplied qualitative data (n = 45) consumed less than the 37 g currently recommended in management guidelines. Survey data also revealed a large variation in the type and amount of carbohydrate ingested when IWMDs are applying carbohydrate ingestion before exercise in RWS. Consistent with these findings, only 17.5% of participants stated that they found carbohydrate ingestion before exercise relieved or minimised their MD symptoms. Results suggest that positive lab-based findings (increased exercise tolerance) of carbohydrate ingestion before exercise are not being effectively translated to RWS for many IWMD. There is a need for improved patient education of IWMD on the application of carbohydrate ingestion before exercise in RWS.