Branched-chain amino acid supplementation attenuates a decrease in power-producing ability following acute strength training
Thomas Ian The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 2016
METHODS: Eleven resistance-trained males, performed baseline measures of a countermovement jump (CMJ) and a seated shot-put throw (SSPT). In a counterbalanced fashion, participants were provided with either 20-g of BCAA or a placebo. Each dose was divided into two equal quantities and consumed before and after a ST session consisting of various multi-joint barbell exercises. For both conditions, the CMJ and SSPT were repeated at 24-h post-ST, in addition participants attributed their perceived muscle soreness level via a 200-mm visual analogue scale.
RESULTS: Following ST there were significant decrements in CMJ (Baseline; 55.2 ± 7.4-cm, BCAA; 52.8 ± 5.9-cm Placebo; 50.6 ± 7.3-cm) and SSPT (Baseline; 4.55 ± 0.56-m, BCAA; 4.37 ± 0.61-m, Placebo; 4.22 ± 0.64- m) for both conditions in comparison to baseline values (P < 0.05). However, BCAA was shown to attenuate the decrements in CMJ and SSPT performance compared to placebo (P < 0.05). Muscle soreness was significantly increased following ST for both conditions, however there were no differences in attributed values following BCAA and placebo ingestion.
CONCLUSION: BCAA administered acutely before and following intensive ST attenuates a decrease in power-producing ability experienced by resistance-trained males. The apparent small but significant effects on functional power suggest that BCAA is an effective ergogenic aid for athletes who require augmented recovery of power-producing ability following intensive ST.
