Effect of Collagen Protein Versus Placebo on Indirect Markers of Musculotendinous Unit Recovery Following Eccentric Plantar Flexor Exercise

Various physical assessments that include pain scale, pain pressure threshold assessment, body composition, calf circumference measurements, muscle thickness measurements, Achilles tendon length and thickness measurements, myotonography of the calf, isometric force assessments during standing and seated plantarflexion positions, a heel raise test, and a standardized exercise routine focused on eccentric movements, targeting a leg chosen at random. Additionally, will consume a daily dose of two 30-g amount of collagen peptides derived from bovine hide (commercially available as Vital Proteins or Peptan) or placebo (30 g of pure maltodextrin with no amino acids) mixed in 300 ml of orange Gatorade zero.

Gatorade zero, maltodextrin, and collagen is going to be stored in the locked cabinet in the lab. Research team will mix the supplement (placebo or maltodextrin) with Gatorade zero in a non-clear bottle and will administer it to the participants on-site.