CSSD Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Study Resource

A significant metabolic characteristic of youth athletes is higher carbohydrate storage. This is primarily because young individuals have a higher capacity for carbohydrate metabolism, enabling them to store glycogen more effectively in their muscles and liver. This glycogen serves as a crucial energy source during high-intensity activities, which is common in youth sports.

Youth athletes generally exhibit a more efficient system for utilizing carbohydrates, allowing them to perform well in athletic activities that require quick bursts of energy. Additionally, while higher fat oxidation may occur in some trained youth athletes over time, it is not typically seen in youth athletes who are primarily engaged in anaerobic activities where carbohydrates are the preferred fuel source.

When considering muscle mass, youth athletes are in a stage of growth and development, which can often lead to increased muscle mass during training and competition rather than lower muscle mass. Protein use as fuel tends to be minimal in youth athletes during exercise, as carbohydrates are the primary energy source. Therefore, the metabolic characteristics of youth athletes highlight their capacity for carbohydrate storage, allowing them to excel in various sports and physical activities.