Smith, D., Thompson, B. J., Ryan, E. D., Sobolewski, E. J., Everett, L., Fiddler, R. E., & Klufa, J. L. (2011). The effect of muscle recovery drinks on peak torque following an eccentric exercise bout. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 43(5). Supplement abstract 2220.

This study examined the effects of consuming a protein drink containing a blend of whey protein or an amino acid drink on muscle recovery following an intense bout of lower body eccentric exercise on leg-extension and leg-flexion peak torque. Males were randomly assigned to either a whey protein (N = 8; ~20.1 years), an amino acid (N = 8; ~18.8 years), or placebo (N = 8; ~20.8 years) group. Ss were strength tested on the dominant-limb lower-extremity to determine the one repetition maximum (1 RM) for leg-press, leg-extension, and leg-flexion. Ss returned to perform three sets of three maximal leg-extensions and flexions at 60 degrees per second on an isokinetic machine to determine baseline leg-extension/flexion peak torque. Five days later, Ss were lead through a unilateral (dominant limb) high-intensity eccentric resistance training protocol in order to elicit muscle soreness. Immediately following the exercise session, Ss received either the whey protein, amino acid, or placebo drinks. Ss then returned to the laboratory on days 1, 2, 3, and 4 post-eccentric training to replicate baseline strength testing. Immediately following each test session, Ss consumed their assigned drinks.

Two (leg-extension peak torque and leg-flexion peak-torque) group x time repeated measures analyses resulted in a non significant group x time interaction with a significant main effect for time. All Ss recovered equally independent of their group assignment.

Implication. Whey protein and amino acid supplementations following a high-intensity bout of lower body eccentric exercise were no better than a placebo condition for effecting peak torque for leg-flexion or leg-extension.

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