Yi-Hung, L., Quan-Fu, L., Mou-Chou, L., Chin-De, C., Wei-Hsiang, C., Chung-Yu, C., & Chia-Hua, K. (2007). Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone administration on recovery capacity during training session in male badminton players. ACSM Annual Meeting New Orleans, Presentation Number 2581.

This study determined the effect of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) administration on post-exercise recovery capacity during badminton-specific training program. Well-trained male badminton players (N = 16) were matched on body fat percentage and assigned to a DHEA or placebo group. Baseline measurements were taken on Day 0. Ss ingested their supplement daily from Day 0 through Day 5 (DHEA group: 100 mg/day; Placebo group: flour placebo). Ss performed a 6-day standard badminton-specific training program, which included a high-intensity shuttle run on Day 2. The visualized DOMS index and blood creatine kinase level were used to evaluate recovery status. Plasma DHEA-S and total testosterone levels also were assessed.

Plasma DHEA-S (the sulphate derivative of DHEA that contributes to buffering capacity) from day 2-6 and total testosterone levels for days 3-6 were significantly higher in the DHEA group than in the placebo group. Both DHEA-S and total testosterone levels dropped dramatically after Day 3 following the high intensity shuttle run. For the recovery status, the DHEA group showed a significant reduction in the visualized DOMS index on Days 3 and 6 and decreases in blood creatine kinase levels from Day 4 through 6.

Implication. In well-trained male badminton players, DHEA administration demonstrated some beneficial effects on improving post-exercise recovery capacity (possibly due to the buffering action of DHEA-S to prevent further muscle damage). The incomplete nature of recovery effects warrants cautious interpretations of this study.

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