Effect of Carbohydrate-Protein (CHO-P) Supplement on Attenuation of Muscle Damage Induced by Eccentric Exercise in Turkish Ski Racers
Objective: It has been reported that eccentric muscle contractions induce muscle damage more than other types of exercise. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of carbohydrateprotein (CHO-P) supplement on attenuation of muscle damage during skiing, which mostly includes eccentric muscle contractions.
Materials and Methods: Creatine kinase (CK) activity was measured as an indicator of muscle damage in skiers using placebo or CHO-P. The exercise was composed of skiing on a track of 510 m repeated 6 times. The CHO-P group consumed a total 108 g CHO and 24 g protein with 1500 ml of fluid. The placebo group consumed a beverage similar in taste and electrolyte concentration to CHO-P but not containing carbohydrate and/or protein. Venous blood samples were collected immediately before skiing and 5 minutes, one hour and 4 hours after the final run.
Results: This study demonstrated that ingestion of CHO-P fluid supplementation minimizes exercise-induced increase in CK 4 h after alpine skiing (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Ingestion of CHO-P as fluid supplement in physical activities performed in a cold environment for a long time, such as skiing that involves predominantly eccentric muscle action, is able to minimize exercise-induced muscle damage. This practice provides faster recovery for athletes during subsequent trainings.
Keywords : Carbohydrate–protein (CHO-P) supplement, muscle damage, skiers