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Effects of Post-exercise Protein Supplementation in Young Athletes

B

Brock University

Status

Completed

Conditions

Inflammation
Fatigue
Bone Resorption

Treatments

Other: Placebo
Dietary Supplement: Active Comparator: Isoenergetic control - Carbohydrate
Dietary Supplement: Experimental:Whey protein

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT04114045
16-279 Klentrou

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomised double blind, placebo-controlled study examined the effects of post-exercise consumption of whey protein (PRO) or carbohydrate (CHO) on performance recovery, muscle damage and inflammatory cytokine responses following a high intensity interval swim (HIIS) in 10-17-year old male and female swimmers.

Full description

Study Procedures: All tests and measurements were performed during three visits at the given swim teams training/practice facility.

During Visit 1, participants were informed of all tests and procedures that will take place and were familiarised with all testing protocols. All anthropometric measurements were also performed during this meeting (see below). Visit one took ~ 60-90 minutes.

During visit 2, Participants arrived at the testing centre for 06:00h, provided a fasted venous blood sample (for biochemical markers - see below). Following the saliva and blood samples, a light breakfast (~300-400 kcal, depending on body mass) (e.g. banana, apple, plain granola bar, water etc.) was provided. Following breakfast (approximately 45-60 min),all participants performed a standardised warm-up in the pool (1000m - short course) followed by 5min of rest and the subsequent performance test in the form of a maximal 200m-front-crawl. Following the maximal 200m performance test, participants underwent a maximal high intensity interval swim protocol (HIIS). The HIIS consisted of 15 high-intensity swimming repetitions (5x100m, 5x50m and 5x25m at maximal intensity) with a work-to-rest ratio of 1:1. Immediately following the HIIS participants exited the pool and provided a second blood sample (blood samples were collected pre-, 30min, 2, 6 and 24h post-HIIS). This was then followed by the first supplement drink ~30-40. 1.5h after consuming the first supplement drink, participants returned to the pool to complete a second maximal 200m swim, followed by a blood test and received their second supplement drink. 1.5h following the supplement drink, a standardised vegetarian lunch was provided, 1.5h following lunch participant provided another blood sample and performed the final 200m swim of that day. Prior to departure participants were provided with a food record sheet to track all food consumption that evening and were instructed to return it to a study investigator the following day.

During visit 3, Participants returned to the testing location at 06:00h, provided a fasted Blood and saliva samples, were given the same breakfast as they received on day 2 and were administered a muscle soreness questionnaire. Following breakfast (approximately 45-60 min),all participants performed the same standardised warm-up as they did in day 2 (1000m - short course) followed by 5min of rest and the subsequent performance test in the form of a maximal 200m-front-crawl.

Groups and supplementation protocol - Participants matched into one of three groups: Protein (0.3g/kg - whey protein isolate), Carbohydrate (0.3g/kg - maltodextrin) or placebo control (flavoured water) (H2O), matched for age, sex and body mass. All groups consumed a total of two supplements, both the investigators and the participants themselves were blinded to the contents of the drink. All drinks were chocolate flavoured and served in black opaque protein shaker cups. For the protein and carbohydrate groups, each participant received an isoenergetic amount of supplement (2 x 0.3g/kg - whey protein isolate or maltodextrin) throughout the duration of the study at the given time-points outlined above.

Biochemical measurements:

Venous blood samples and a saliva sample will be collected on 5 separate occasions (pre-, 30min, 2, 6 and 24h post-HIIS). To control for circadian rhythm, the exercise session and related blood samples will be performed at the same time of day.

Venous blood samples were collected from the antecubital fossa of each participant using a standard venipuncture technique. Endocrine response such as anabolic/hormonal markers, inflammatory markers (cytokines - IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α) and indicators of muscle fatigue/damage (CK) were examined.

Enrollment

60 patients

Sex

All

Ages

11 to 17 years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

  • competitive swimmers (swim competitively for a minimum of 2y)
  • male or female 11-17y
  • free from any medical conditions

Exclusion criteria

  • yes on medical screening questionnaire
  • not classified as a competitive swimmer (swim competitively for <2y)
  • outside the desired age range (<11 or >17)

Trial design

Primary purpose

Treatment

Allocation

Non-Randomized

Interventional model

Parallel Assignment

Masking

Double Blind

60 participants in 3 patient groups, including a placebo group

Whey protein
Experimental group
Description:
Whey protein isolate
Treatment:
Dietary Supplement: Experimental:Whey protein
Isoenergetic control - Carbohydrate
Active Comparator group
Description:
Carbohydrate or maltodextrin
Treatment:
Dietary Supplement: Active Comparator: Isoenergetic control - Carbohydrate
Placebo control - Water
Placebo Comparator group
Description:
Water - chocolate flavoured
Treatment:
Other: Placebo

Trial contacts and locations

1

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Data sourced from clinicaltrials.gov

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