Nutritional Strategies and the Recovery of Muscle Function following Exercise Induced Muscle Damage: The Role of Complete Proteins in the form of Whey Protein Hydrolysate

Abstract

The demands of training and competition can result in exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), and the rapid return to optimal performance is clearly advantageous in a range of sporting populations. EIMD is a well-documented phenomena with a variety of identified symptoms including muscle soreness, localised swelling, reductions in muscle strength and power, increased levels of creatine kinase, increased perceived exertion during activity and reductions in performance. A number of different strategies have been examined with the aim of limiting the occurrence of, and managing the symptoms of EIMD. Such strategies are currently employed by athletic populations, although the efficacy of the majority is based on equivocal or anecdotal evidence. Strategies include a range of therapeutic modalities, dietary interventions and activity regimens. The aim of this body of work was to investigate the efficacy of a particular dietary intervention; acute whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) ingestion, in ameliorating the effects of EIMD.