Campbell, B., Myers, B., Forsyth, A., Parker, B., Gomez, B., Elkins, A., Marcello, B., Wilborn, C., La Bounty, P., & Kreider, R. (2011). The effects of fat-free vs. fat-containing chocolate milk ingestion on performance characteristics in collegiate softball players. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 43(5). Supplement abstract 2218.

This study determined the effects of ingesting two forms of chocolate milk (fat-free vs. fat-containing) immediately after resistance exercise over an eight-week period to determine its effects on motor performance. Collegiate softball players (N = 18) were randomized according to strength and bodyweight to ingest a fat-free (300 kcals, 58 g carbohydrate, 16 g protein, 0 g fat) or a fat-containing (380 kcals, 58 g carbohydrate, 16 g protein, 10 g fat) chocolate milk beverage. The chocolate milk was ingested in a 16 ounce bottle immediately following all resistance exercise training sessions over eight weeks. Dependent variables included the vertical jump test, 20-yard sprint, and the agility t-test and were assessed at baseline and after completion of the training program.

No significant differences existed for caloric intake and performance variables between the groups at baseline. There were no significant differences between groups for vertical jump, 20-yard sprint, or agility t-test before or after the experiment.

Implication. Fat-free and fatty chocolate milk (5 grams per serving or 10 total grams) have no effect on the motor performance of female softball players.

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