Resistance training and recovery: influence of dietary supplements, combined trreatment therapies, and gender

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Date
2015
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University of Alabama Libraries
Abstract

Many competitive and recreational athletes devote considerable time and attention designing exercise programs to optimize performance. Training variables, such as the exercise modality, the number of weekly training sessions, and the intensity and duration of each session are manipulated to elicit favorable adaptations. Equally important in exercise prescription is the establishment of adequate recovery between successive training sessions. The purpose of the proposed studies was to evaluate the effectiveness of common dietary supplements and, in a separate analysis, the use of an anti-inflammatory and nutritional intervention on recovery from resistance exercise in trained men and women. Additionally, the study served to evaluate the influence of gender on skeletal muscle recovery following an exhaustive bout of resistance exercise. After establishing a baseline load that elicits temporary muscular failure after 8–12 repetitions, participants completed 3 sets to failure on two consecutive under treatment and placebo conditions. Treatment conditions for Study I consisted of the current use of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), and glutamine; placebo supplements (sugar pills) served as a control. The treatment condition for Study II was comprised ibuprofen, vitamins C and E, and a protein-carbohydrate recovery beverage, while flavored water and imitation vitamins (gummy candies) were used as a placebo. Study III compared 24 h training recovery in men versus women. Muscle pain and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured after each set, exercise, and workout using a 100–mm visual analog scale (VAS). Residual muscle pain and ratings of perceived recovery (RPR) were measured 24 h after the initial workout. Muscle recovery was defined as the number of repetitions performed during the first set of repetitions on the second day of activity. The treatments used in Study I and Study II significantly enhanced performance-based training recovery for select exercise and allowed participants to perform more total repetitions for all exercises combined. The BCAA, HMB, and glutamine treatment significantly reduced residual muscle pain, but had no effect on RPR compared to a placebo. Additionally, this treatment significantly reduced skeletal muscle pain and RPE for select exercises. Additionally, the this treatment significantly reduced muscle pain and RPE during subsequent training 24 h after an exhaustive resistance bout. Conversely, a protein–carbohydrate beverage, vitamins C and E, and ibuprofen significantly enhanced RPR after 24 h passive recovery without influencing residual pain or muscle pain and RPE during subsequent activity. Lastly, while residual muscle pain was reduced in women compared to men 24 h after a fatiguing resistance session, no differences in performance or muscle pain and RPE during exercise were observed. Two treatment options may effectively enhance training recovery: (a) concurrent use of a protein–carbohydrate beverage, vitamins C and E, and ibuprofen, and (b) concurrent use of BCAA, HMB, and glutamine. These treatments significantly enhanced performance compared to a placebo and attenuated residual muscle pain or RPR. The former treatment also attenuated muscle pain and RPE during select exercises, possibly contributing to enhanced performance. Men and women respond similarly to 24 h passive rest. Coaches and physical therapist may use these treatments to accelerate recovery of muscle function and enhance training adaptations. However, the long–term effects remain unknown. Additionally, men and women may not require distinct recovery periods following damaging resistance exercise. However, while men and women recovered equally under control conditions, it is unknown whether any differences in training recovery are present following ingestion of various ergogenic aids. Future research should evaluate the effects of chronic use of the treatments studied, as well the effect of as sex–related differences under these treatments.

Description
Electronic Thesis or Dissertation
Keywords
Kinesiology
Citation