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The Effect of Nutritional Ketosis on Strength and Power in Tactical Athletes

Abstract Details

2018, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Kinesiology.
The primary purpose of this investigation was to compare performance adaptations in tactical athletes utilizing a ketogenic diet (KD) vs. control (CON) during a 12-week strength and conditioning program in conjunction with their standard military fitness training. Little research has been conducted on the effects of a ketogenic diet on strength and power outcome goals, yet a ketogenic diet has demonstrated to be physiologically beneficial in other populations. Participants self-selected to a diet intervention KD (n=15), or CON (n=14). The training intervention included 6 weeks of resistance training, emphasizing back squat and bench press, and 6 weeks of power training, emphasizing Olympic lifts and plyometric training. PRE and POST-intervention, countermovement jump (CMJ), 1 RM back squat and bench press, repeated sprint intervals, an obstacle course, VO2 Max, and body composition measures were assessed. At Week 1 (MP1) and Week 6 (MP2) an abbreviated performance battery was conducted including CMJ, 1 RMs, and the sprint intervals. For KD, BF% was significantly higher PRE (25.6 ,SE 5.0) than POST (20.26, SE 4.9) compared to CON PRE (22.0, SD 8.6) and POST (21.3, SD 8.4). For KD, FM was significantly higher PRE (46.5, SE 9.8) than POST (33.6, SE 7.6) compared to CON PRE (38.2, SD 17.5) and POST (36.9 SD 16.7). For KD, LBM was significantly higher PRE (135.9, SE 13.7) than POST (132.9, SE 14.8) compared to CON PRE (131.4, SD 9.5) and POST (133.1, SD 10.1). There were no significant effects between groups for performance measures. Absolute back squat PRE (mean 110.33, SE 5.41) and MP1 (mean 111.72, SE 4.76) were both significantly less than MP2 (mean 122.53, SE 4.47) and POST (mean 125.90, SE 4.50). Relative back squat PRE (mean 1.34, SE .06) and at MP1 (mean 1.37, SE .06) were both significantly less than MP2 (mean 1.53, SE .06) and POST (mean 1.59, SE .06). Relative bench press PRE (mean 1.10, SE 0.07) and at MP1 (mean 1.11, SE 0.07) were both significantly less than MP2 (mean 1.16, SE 0.07) and POST (mean 1.18, SE 0.07). There was no effects of time or training on power measures. In summary, resistance training two days per week significantly improved leg strength but had little effect on upper body strength and power. A ketogenic diet had similar strength gains and performance measures compared to CON. This indicates a ketogenic diet can be an effective weight management tool in tactical athletes without causing detriment to power and strength-related tasks.
William Kraemer, PhD (Advisor)
Jeff Volek, PhD (Committee Member)
Carl Maresh, PhD (Committee Member)
105 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Barnhart, E. (2018). The Effect of Nutritional Ketosis on Strength and Power in Tactical Athletes [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1523637607964234

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Barnhart, Emily. The Effect of Nutritional Ketosis on Strength and Power in Tactical Athletes. 2018. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1523637607964234.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Barnhart, Emily. "The Effect of Nutritional Ketosis on Strength and Power in Tactical Athletes." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1523637607964234

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)