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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01529281

Exercise-induced Muscle Damage is Reduced in Resistance Trained Athletes by Branch Chain Amino Acids

It is well documented that exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) decreases muscle function and causes severe soreness and discomfort. Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation has been shown to increase protein synthesis and decrease muscle protein breakdown, however, the effects of BCAAs on recovery from EIMD are unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of a BCAA supplement on markers of muscle damage.

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Key information

Conditions

Exercise-induced Muscle Damage

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Resistance trained males

Exclusion criteria

  • Muscular skeletal disorders

Treatment and study plan

Branch Chain Amino Acid (BCAA)

Dietary Supplement

Supplementation lasted for a total of 12 days; this was based on previous research showing a positive with BCAA supplementation on markers of muscle damage. Participants ingested 10 g, twice per day (morning and evening) of BCAA . The BCAA supplement contained a ratio of 2:1:1 (leucine, isoleucine and valine, respectively). The BCAA was in powder form where each serving was mixed with ~300 ml of water.

Placebo - asparmate

Dietary Supplement

Supplementation lasted for a total of 12 days. Participants ingested an equivalent looking volume to 10 g of BCAA, twice per day (morning and evening) of placebo (aspartame based artificial sweetener). The BCAA supplement contained a ratio of 2:1:1 (leucine, isoleucine and valine, respectively). The artificial sweetener was in powder form where each serving was mixed with ~300 ml of water.

Primary outcomes

  1. Maximal voluntary contraction

    Time frame: pre exercise, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 96 h post-exercise

    Isometric MVC of the participants' dominant knee extensors was assessed using a strain gauge. MVCs were performed for 3 s with a 60 s rest between each repetition.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Limb girths

    Time frame: pre-exercise, 24h, 48h, 72h, 96h

    Mid-thigh and calf circumference was assessed as a measure of limb swelling using an anthropometric tape measure. Both measures were obtained with the participant in a standing position.

  2. Vertical jump

    Time frame: pre-exercise, 24h, 48h, 72h, 96h

    Vertical jump (VJ) performance was assessed using the Vertec instrument. Participants performed a counter movement jump.

  3. Creatine kinase

    Time frame: pre-exercise, 24h, 48h, 72h, 96h

    Plasma CK was determined from an earlobe capillary blood sample. The sample (30 microlitres) was analysed immediately using an automated, dry slide photospectrometer.

  4. Muscle soreness

    Time frame: pre-exercise, 24h, 48h, 72h, 96h

    Muscle soreness - Participants were asked to perform and hold a squat (90° knee angle) whilst they rated their perceived muscle soreness on a 200 mm visual analogue scale. The scale consisted of a line from 0 mm (no pain) to 200 mm (unbearably painful).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Northumbria University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2011
Primary completion
2011
Study completion
2011
First posted
Feb 8, 2012
Registry last updated
Feb 8, 2012

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

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This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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