Purpose: This study examined that the effects of combined β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) and whey protein supplementation on a single bout of eccentric exercise with the elbow flexor muscle.
Methods: Twelve trained male subjects were assigned to the HMB/whey protein group(3 g/day HMB and 36.6 g/day whey protein, n=6)or the whey protein group(36.6 g/day, n=6). Supplementation commenced 7 days before a non-dominant elbow flexor eccentric exercise(30 deg/sec, 6×7 set)and continued to 4 days post-exercise. Maximal isometric strength, muscle soreness, creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein were assessed pre-exercise, at 1, 2, 3, and 5 days after exercise.
Results: Whey protein group significant showed a significant decrease in maximal isometric strength(1 and 5 days), and an increase in muscle soreness(2 and 3 days)compared to pre-value. Whereas, the HMB/whey protein group had no change in maximal isometric strength, muscle soreness compared to pre value. CK tended to be lower at 5 days(p=0.08)in the HMB/whey protein group compared to the whey protein group. Total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein had no change in both groups.
Conclusion: These results suggest that combined HMB and whey protein supplementation attenuated symptoms of eccentric exercise-induce muscle damage.
