Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) Practice Exam

When is carbohydrate loading particularly beneficial?

1. Endurance events lasting over 60 minutes

2. Endurance events lasting over 90 minutes

3. Powerlifting competitions

4. Sprint races

The correct answer is: Endurance events lasting over 90 minutes

Carbohydrate loading is particularly beneficial for endurance events lasting over 90 minutes. This practice involves increasing carbohydrate intake prior to an event, which maximizes glycogen stores in the muscles and liver. In endurance sports, where sustained energy is crucial, having an ample supply of glycogen can significantly enhance performance and delay fatigue. Events lasting over 90 minutes, such as marathons or long-distance cycling, put significant energy demands on the body, making the increased availability of carbohydrates vital. While endurance events lasting over 60 minutes can benefit from carbohydrate loading, the advantages are more pronounced in longer events where energy depletion becomes a greater concern. In contrast, powerlifting competitions and sprint races typically rely on short bursts of energy, where immediate fuel sources like ATP and creatine phosphate are utilized rather than glycogen stores. Therefore, carbohydrate loading would not provide the same benefits in these contexts, as the duration and energy systems involved differ significantly from those of prolonged endurance activities.