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The Effects of Leucine Metabolites in Performance, Body Composition and Biochemical Markers of Muscle Damage

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Resistance Training
Interventions
Dietary Supplement: HMB-FA
Other: Placebo comparator
Dietary Supplement: alfa-HICA
Dietary Supplement: HMB-Ca
Registration Number
NCT03511092
Lead Sponsor
Faculdade de Motricidade Humana
Brief Summary

This study aimed to conduct a double-blind randomized pragmatic trial to evaluate the effects of off-the-shelf leucine metabolite supplements HMB-FA, HMB-Ca, alfa-HICA, on resistance training-induced changes in body composition, performance and biochemical markers of muscle damage. The investigators' working hypothesis is that so long as subjects adhered to a diet containing adequate energy and dietary protein, there would be no differences between those receiving the leucine metabolites - HMB-FA, HMB-Ca and alfa-HICA - when compared to a placebo consuming group.

Detailed Description

This was a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study with additional control of diet. The investigators compared the effect of 8 weeks of supplementation with HMB-FA, HMB-Ca, or alfa-HICA on performance, body composition, and biochemical markers of muscle damage. The study involved fifty-three participants engaged in resistance training for at least one year (≥3 training sessions per week).

Performance measures - To evaluate aerobic performance an incremental test to volitional exhaustion was performed. Peak power and strength was assessed by maximum strength and the participants also performed a Wingate and vertical jump tests. Perceived performance and recovery was measured by the perceived recovery status scores in training days. This tool allowed to evaluate both fatigue, general muscle soreness, sleep quality, stress levels and mood throughout the study. Performance tests were performed at baseline, prior to the beginning of the study, and at the end of weeks 4 and 8, in a fed state (a meal replacement bar was provided to participants before the tests).

Body composition measures - To evaluate body composition a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan was performed; Muscle thickness was measured by ultrasonography; Total body water and both the extracellular water and intracellular water were assessed by bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS). These tests were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 4 and 8, with participants reporting to the lab in a fasted state, refraining from exercise, alcohol or stimulant beverages for at least 8 h.

Biochemical markers of muscle damage - To assess biochemical markers (total testosterone and cortisol, creatine kinase, insulin-like growth factor 1, growth hormone), blood was collected at baseline and at the end of weeks 4 and 8, in a fasted state with participants also refraining from exercise, alcohol or stimulant beverages for at least 12 h.

Training protocol - The training program was designed according to the guidelines for hypertrophy type of resistance training for intermediate-trained individuals and consisted on 3 sessions per week during an 8-week period.

Statistics - sample size was calculated through an a priori power analysis (G\*Power Version 3.1.9.2, Heinrich Heine Universitat Dusseldorf, Germany), based on FFM changes from previous studies and power of 0.80. Statistical analysis will be performed using IBM SPSS statistics version 22.0 (IBM, Chicago, Illinois, USA). Normality of the distribution of variables will be tested by Shapiro-Wilk test. Baseline characteristics between groups were analyzed by a 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) since normality was observed. Time and time x group interactions will be evaluated by repeated-measures ANOVA. The equality of the matrix of variance and sphericity will be explored with the Levene F test and Mauchly's test, respectively. Overall significance level for α was set at p ≤ 0.05.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Male
Target Recruitment
53
Inclusion Criteria
  • Resistance training subjects for more than one year
Exclusion Criteria
  • Individuals taking any type of drug, medicines or supplements that may enhance body composition or performance, 1 months prior to the research.
  • Smokers
  • Clinical diagnose of a disease that might compromise tolerance to the supplements or influence body composition and performance
  • More than 25% body fat
  • Individuals involved in similar research 3 months prior to the study

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
HMB-FAHMB-FA-
PlaceboPlacebo comparator-
alfa-HICAalfa-HICA-
HMB-CaHMB-Ca-
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change of body waterBaseline, week 4 and week 8

kg

Change of peak powerBaseline, week 4 and week 8

Watt

Change of maximum strengthBaseline, week 4 and week 8

kg

Change of jump heightBaseline, week 4 and week 8

cm

Change of muscle thicknessBaseline, week 4 and week 8

mm

Change of fat massBaseline, week 4 and week 8
Change of powerBaseline, week 4 and week 8

Watt

Change of fat free massBaseline, week 4 and week 8

kg

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Heart rateBaseline and week 8

beats.min-1

Change of biochemical markers of muscle damageBaseline, week 4 and week 8

total testosterone and cortisol, creatine kinase, insulin-like growth factor 1, growth hormone

Oxygen uptakeBaseline and week 8

mL.kg-1.min-1

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Faculty of Human Kinetics

🇵🇹

Lisbon, Portugal

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