Effect of a Post-Exercise Recovery Supplement and 10-Week Strength Training Program on Muscle Strength and Endurance

0291 Optimizing the type and timing of nutrient intake may be essential for promoting maximal gains in muscle strength and endurance in conjunction with a resistance training program. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine whether consumption of a post-exercise recovery drink containing creatine, whey protein, amino acids, and carbohydrate (maltodextrin and fructose) combined with strength training resulted in greater improvements in muscular strength and endurance compared to placebo. Methods. Using a double-blind, placebo controlled design, 43 college-aged males were randomly assigned to receive supplement or placebo. Subjects completed a 10-week supervised, periodized strength training program with leg and abdominal exercises on Monday and Thursday and upper body exercises on Tuesday and Friday. Subjects had to complete > 70% of the workouts and receive at least 70% of the supplement/placebo doses in order to remain in the study. Before and after the 10-week program, 1-RM strength was determined for the free weight bench press and 45° leg press. Muscular endurance was measured as the repetitions completed with 80% of the 1-RM and as estimated external work (repetitions completed × resistance). Data were analyzed with a two-way ANOVA (time × group) with repeated measures on time. P < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results. Twenty-nine subjects (placebo: n = 12; supplement: n = 17) completed the study. Although 1-RM bench press and 45° leg press strength increased over the 10-week training period, there were no significant time × group interactions. Muscular endurance, whether determined as the number of repetitions completed with 80% of the 1-RM or as estimated external work, increased for the 45° leg press but not for the bench press over the 10-week strength training study. There were no time × group interactions for muscular endurance. Conclusion. During a short-term strength training program, consuming a recovery drink of creatine, whey protein, amino acids and carbohydrate post-exercise did not increase muscle strength and endurance compared with a placebo.