Kim, J., Wilson, J. M., Lee, S., Wilson, G. J., Sommer, B., Colon, J., Diahl, T., Mendez, D., Kingsley, D. J., & Panton, L. B. (2008). Acute timing effects of b-Hydroxy b-Methyl Butyrate (HMB) supplementation on muscle strength and soreness. ACSM 55th Annual Meeting Indianapolis, Presentation Number 542.

This study investigated the acute timing effects of b-Hydroxy b-Methyl Butyrate on maximum voluntary contractile force and soreness. Non-resistance trained men (N = 16) were randomly assigned to HMB-PRE or HMB-POST groups. Ss performed 55 maximal eccentric unilateral knee extension/flexion contractions on two separate occasions, performed on the dominant or non-dominant leg in a counter-balanced crossover design. HMB-PRE (N = 8) received 3 grams of HMB before and a placebo after exercise, or a placebo before and after exercise in the counter-balanced crossover design. HMB-POST (N = 8) received a placebo before and 3 grams of HMB after exercise, or a placebo before and after exercise in the counter-balanced crossover design. Tests for maximum voluntary contractile force and 10 cm visual analogue scale muscle soreness for the quadriceps and hamstrings were recorded prior to and at 8, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-exercise.

There was an overall reduction in maximum voluntary contractile force and increase in soreness in the quadriceps and hamstrings following exercise with no acute or timing differences. Soreness peaked at 48 hours in the quadriceps and hamstrings. The greatest decline in contractile force was at 8 hours in the quadriceps and 48 hours in the hamstrings.

Implication. B-Hydroxy b-Methyl Butyrate consumption does not influence muscle soreness and strength whether administered prior to or following exercise.

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