The Effect of Use of Protein Supplements on Muscle Damage

Abstract

Study objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of ingested protein supplementation on muscle damage and delayed onset muscle soreness followed acute maximal weightlifting exercise. Method: Twenty-four males were included in this study who between the ages of 19-25 and were performing the physical activity for an average of 60 minutes 2 days a week. The volunteers were randomly divided into two groups as the experimental group that takes a protein supplement and control group that doesn’t take a protein supplements. Blood samples were taken from all volunteers before exercise. Followed warming, 3 sets 10 repetitions weightlifting exercise were performed at 80% 90 and 100 of pre-determined maximal weights. The diets of athletes were determined by an expert dietitian as 1 g/kg per day of all participants by dividing into three meals. In addition, the experimental group was taken protein supplement also 35 grams of whey protein (total: 1.5g/kg per day) after the lunch by dissolving in 500 ml water. The blood samples of both groups were taken at the before, immediately after, 24^th, 48^th, and 72^nd hours after exercise at the same time of the day and the VAS scores were recorded. Results: There was no significant difference between experimental and control groups before and immediately after exercise in terms of CK and Mb values when the group effect is considered (p>0.05). When, the VAS score were examined independent from the group effect, it was observed that the values of control group were higher than the experimental group in the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th comparisons (p<0.05). Conclusion: Consequently, although 1.5 g/kg protein supplementation did not significantly decrease the CK and Mb values after weightlifting exercise, it was observed that DOMS was decreased significantly.