La Bounty, P. M., Campbell, B., Oetken, A., Lutz, R., Kreider, R., Greenwood, M., & Willoughby, D. (2009). The effect of leucine supplementation on total lower-body workout volume. ACSM 56th Annual Meeting, Seattle, Washington. Presentation number 2320.

This study determined the effect of leucine supplementation on total lower-body workout volume following an acute bout of heavy resistance exercise. Recreationally active males (N = 11) were randomized into either a leucine supplementation group or a placebo group. Ss ingested either 40 mg/kg of leucine (N = 4) divided into two equal doses or a placebo (N = 7) and then performed a lower body resistance exercise bout. Supplementation was administered 30 minutes prior, and immediately before resistance exercise. The resistance exercise bout consisted of four sets of leg press followed by four sets of knee extension at 80% 1 RM to failure. Only Ss who were able to accomplish a minimum of eight repetitions at 80% of 1 RM on every set were included in the analysis. However, all Ss were required to attain volitional fatigue. Rest periods between sets and exercises were approximately 2.5 minutes.

There was no significant difference between the leucine supplementation and placebo broups on any variable.

Implication. Pre-exercise leucine supplementation does not influence total lower-body workout volume at an intensity of 80% 1RM to volitional.

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