Hood, J. M., Chromiak, J. A., Downey, W. J., Weir, J. R., Bevill, P., Champlin, J., Lambreth, J. G., Joe, L. A., Abadie, B., R., & Altorher, G. (2004). Effect of a 10-week strength training program and recovery supplement on anaerobic performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 36(5), Supplement abstract 852.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether post-exercise consumption of a supplement containing creatine, whey protein, amino acids, and carbohydrate (fructose and maltodextrin) during a 10-week strength training program promoted greater improvement in anaerobic performance compared with placebo and strength training. College-aged males (N = 43) were randomly assigned to receive a supplement or placebo immediately after exercise. Ss participated in a 10-week periodized strength training program with exercises for the legs and abdominal muscles on Monday and Thursday and exercises for the chest, back, arms, and shoulders on Tuesday and Friday. Subjects had to complete at least 70% of the workouts and receive the full or more doses of the supplement/placebo in order to remain in the study. Before and after the strength training program, anaerobic performance was assessed with a 30-second Wingate cycle test on a cycle ergometer.

Twenty-nine Ss (placebo: N = 12; supplement: N = 17) completed the study. Peak power, mean power and anaerobic power increased across groups over the 10-week strength training period, but there was no change for anaerobic capacity or fatigue rate.

Implication. During a strength training program of short duration, consumption of a post-exercise supplement containing creatine, whey protein, amino acids, and carbohydrate did not result in significantly greater improvement in anaerobic performance compared with placebo.

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