What is the practice of increasing carbohydrate intake and decreasing exercise before a competition called?

The practice of increasing carbohydrate intake and decreasing exercise before a competition is known as carbohydrate loading. This strategy is particularly beneficial for endurance athletes, such as marathon runners or triathletes, as it helps enhance glycogen stores in muscles.

By consuming a higher amount of carbohydrates, the body can store more glycogen, which serves as a readily available energy source during prolonged physical activity. Reducing exercise in the days leading up to the event allows the body to maximize glycogen storage without depleting those reserves through excessive physical exertion. Athletes often implement this strategy in the week before a competition to ensure they have optimal energy levels during the event, leading to improved performance.

In contrast, dehydration refers to the loss of water from the body, which is not related to carbohydrate intake or exercise modulation. Protein loading focuses on increasing protein intake rather than carbohydrates, which does not support glycogen synthesis. Caloric restriction involves reducing overall calorie intake, which can hinder performance rather than enhance it.