Impact of Pre-Exercise Macronutrient Intake on Strength and Endurance Performance in Male Athletes

Abstract

This study examined the impact of pre-exercise macronutrient intake on strength and endurance performance in male athletes. A total of sixty male university athletes (aged 18–25 years) were randomly assigned to three dietary groups: carbohydrate-rich, protein-rich, and mixed macronutrient intake. Participants consumed their assigned meals 90 minutes prior to exercise testing. Strength performance was evaluated using one-repetition maximum (1RM) tests for bench press and leg press, while endurance performance was measured through a 5-kilometer treadmill run. The intervention lasted for six weeks, with pre-test and post-test assessments conducted for all variables. Statistical analysis using ANOVA revealed significant differences among groups (p < 0.05). The carbohydrate-rich and mixed macronutrient groups showed notable improvements in endurance performance, whereas the protein-rich group demonstrated slightly greater gains in strength measures. These findings suggest that pre-exercise meal composition plays a crucial role in optimizing physical performance. Tailoring macronutrient intake according to exercise type may enhance both strength and endurance outcomes in male athletes.