Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2021 Feb 24:1-16. Epub 2021 Feb 24.

Loughborough University.

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of creatine supplementation on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage, and is reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE and SPORTDiscus were searched for articles from inception until April 2020. Inclusion criteria were adult participants (≥18 years); creatine provided before and/or after exercise versus a noncreatine comparator; measurement of muscle function recovery, muscle soreness, inflammation, myocellular protein efflux, oxidative stress; range of motion; randomized controlled trials in humans. Read More

Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2021 Feb 19:1-9. Epub 2021 Feb 19.

Purpose: To identify whether the use of active recovery (ACT) the day after high-intensity interval training (HIIT) benefits recovery and to assess whether individual responses to ACT are repeatable.

Methods: Eleven well-trained, male intermittent-sport athletes (age: 25.5 ± 1. Read More

J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2020 Jan 29;5(1). Epub 2020 Jan 29.

Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.

Massage therapy is a common postexercise muscle recovery modality; however, its mechanisms of efficacy are uncertain. We evaluated the effects of massage on systemic inflammatory responses to exercise and postexercise muscle performance and soreness. In this crossover study, nine healthy male athletes completed a high-intensity intermittent sprint protocol, followed by massage therapy or control condition. Read More

J Strength Cond Res 2021 Feb;35(2):353-359

LFE Research Group, Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), Madrid, Spain; and.

Abstract: Romero-Parra, N, Rael, B, Alfaro-Magallanes, VM, Janse de Jonge, X, Cupeiro, R, and Peinado, AB; On Behalf of the IronFEMME Study Group. The effect of the oral contraceptive cycle phase on exercise-induced muscle damage after eccentric exercise in resistance-trained women. J Strength Cond Res 35(2): 353-359, 2021-To evaluate the influence of the active pill phase versus withdrawal phase of a monophasic oral contraceptive (OC) cycle on exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation after eccentric resistance exercise. Read More

Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2020 Nov 12;31(1):32-39. Epub 2020 Nov 12.

The University of Oklahoma.

The authors sought to determine whether consuming collagen peptides (CP) enhances musculoskeletal recovery of connective tissues following a damaging exercise bout. Resistance-trained males consumed 15 g/day of CP (n = 7) or placebo (n = 8), and after 7 days, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), countermovement jump height, soreness, and collagen turnover were examined. Five sets of 20 drop jumps were performed and outcome measures were collected 24, 48, and 120 hr postexercise. Read More

J Strength Cond Res 2020 Sep 17. Epub 2020 Sep 17.

Department of Biomedical and Neuoromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.

Bartolomei, S, Nigro, F, D'Amico, A, Cortesi, M, and Di Michele, R. Mud pack with menthol and Arnica montana accelerates recovery following a high-volume resistance training session for lower body in trained men. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a mud pack, containing menthol and Arnica montana, on the recovery responses following a high-volume resistance protocol. Read More

Med Sci Sports Exerc 2020 10;52(10):2136-2144

School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, AUSTRALIA.

Introduction: Fatigue-related group III/IV muscle afferent firing from agonist, antagonist or distal muscles impairs the ability to drive the elbow flexors maximally, that is, reduces voluntary activation. In the lower limb, the effect of feedback from distal muscles on the proximal knee extensors is unknown. Here, we test whether maintained group III/IV afferent feedback from the plantarflexor muscles reduces voluntary activation of the knee extensors. Read More

J Diet Suppl 2020 Jul 24:1-12. Epub 2020 Jul 24.

RDC Clinical, Brisbane, Australia.

The efficacy of curcumin supplementation is traditionally limited due to its poor bioavailability. Despite this, curcumin has previously been shown to improve biomarkers of muscle damage. The addition of a novel drug delivery system that improves bioavailability could improve exercise recovery. Read More

Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2020 Jul 21;30(5):323-329. Epub 2020 Jul 21.

Newcastle University.

Purpose: This study examined whether a higher protein diet following strenuous exercise can alter markers of muscle damage and inflammation in older adults.

Methods: Using a double-blind, independent group design, 10 males and eight females (age 57 ± 4 years; mass 72.3 ± 5. Read More

Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2020 Jul 8;30(5):338-344. Epub 2020 Jul 8.

University of Huddersfield.

Polyphenol consumption has become a popular method of trying to temper muscle damage. Cocoa flavanols (CF) have attracted attention due to their high polyphenol content and palatability. As such, this study will investigate whether an acute dose of CF can aid recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage. Read More

Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2020 Jul 13;16(2):190-198. Epub 2020 Jul 13.

Context: The indirect markers of muscle damage have been previously studied in females. However, inconclusive results have been found, possibly explained by the heterogeneity regarding monitoring and verification of menstrual-cycle phase.

Purpose: To determine whether the fluctuations in sex hormones during the menstrual cycle influence muscle damage. Read More

Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2021 01;100(1):65-71

From the Te Huataki Waiora, School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand (AO, MD); and Sport and Exercise Science, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (MD).

Objective: The aim of the current study was to investigate the efficacy of an upper-body intermittent sequential pneumatic compression device on recovery after wheelchair team sport activity.

Design: Eleven well-trained wheelchair basketball and rugby athletes (male, 8; female, 3; mean ± SD age = 33 ± 10 yrs) performed a series of performance measures pre-exercise, postexercise, and postrecovery (grip strength, pressure-to-pain threshold, medicine ball throw, wheelchair sprints, repeated sprints). Subjective muscle soreness and fatigue measurements were taken at the same time points as performance tests, with an additional 24-hr postrecovery measure. Read More

J Sport Rehabil 2020 11 5;29(8):1210-1213. Epub 2020 May 5.

Clinical Scenario: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a controversial topic for its use in athletic recovery, mainly due to inconsistency in research regarding the application of LLLT. Articles on LLLT have assessed its effectiveness in untrained humans through pain scales, functional scales, and blood draws, and it has been found capable in nonathletic rehabilitative use. The controversy lies with LLLT in the recovering athlete. Read More

Nutrients 2020 Mar 21;12(3). Epub 2020 Mar 21.

Department of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of whey protein supplementation on myofibrillar protein synthesis (myoPS) and muscle recovery over a 7-d period of intensified resistance training (RT).

Methods: In a double-blind randomised parallel group design, 16 resistance-trained men aged 18 to 35 years completed a 7-d RT protocol, consisting of three lower-body RT sessions on non-consecutive days. Participants consumed a controlled diet (146 kJ·kg·d, 1. Read More

Eur J Nutr 2020 Oct 11;59(7):2827-2839. Epub 2020 Mar 11.

Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Postgraduate Program in Functional Rehabilitation, Federal University of Santa Maria-UFSM, Av. Roraima nº 1000, Cidade Universitária, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil.

Background: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) seems to attenuate the overproduction of reactive species during and after exercises. Yet, no meta-analysis has summarized the magnitude of this effect. The objective of this study was to systematically review the effects of vitamin C supplementation on oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, damage, soreness, and the musculoskeletal functionality after a single bout of exercise. Read More

J Athl Train 2020 Apr 11;55(4):329-335. Epub 2020 Mar 11.

Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, China.

Context: Among sports-recovery methods, cold-water immersion (CWI), contrast-water therapy (CWT), and whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) have been applied widely to enhance recovery after strenuous exercise. However, the different timing effects in exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) after these recovery protocols remain unknown.

Objective: To compare the effects of CWI, CWT, and WBC on the timing-sequence recovery of EIMD through different indicator responses. Read More

J Strength Cond Res 2020 Jul;34(7):1884-1893

Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, School of Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom; and.

Naclerio, F, Larumbe-Zabala, E, Cooper, K, and Seijo, M. Effects of a multi-ingredient beverage on recovery of contractile properties, performance, and muscle soreness after hard resistance training sessions. J Strength Cond Res 34(7): 1884-1893, 2020-Carbohydrate-protein-based supplements have been proposed for maximizing postexercise recovery. Read More

J Sport Rehabil 2020 11 5;29(8):1166-1170. Epub 2020 Feb 5.

Context: The influence of playing surface on injury risk in soccer is contentious, and contemporary technologies permit an in vivo assessment of mechanical loading on the player.

Objective: To quantify the influence of playing surface on the PlayerLoad elicited during soccer-specific activity.

Design: Repeated measures, field-based design. Read More

J Athl Train 2020 Jan 19;55(1):58-64. Epub 2019 Dec 19.

Department of Life Sciences, Research Centre for Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom and Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas.

Context: Foam rolling (FR) is considered an effective postexercise modality for reducing delayed-onset muscle soreness and enhancing recovery of muscle function. However, the effects of FR on muscle and joint proprioception have not been investigated.

Objective: To examine the effects of FR on muscle and joint proprioception after an intense exercise protocol. Read More

BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2019 15;5(1):e000570. Epub 2019 Oct 15.

School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.

Background: Reduced hip adduction strength has been identified as a key predisposing factor in developing hip and groin injuries. The Copenhagen adduction programme has been shown to increase hip adduction strength in semiprofessional footballers but can cause muscle soreness. Therefore, a modified progressive Copenhagen adduction (MPCA) programme has been designed to increase hip adduction strength while limiting muscle soreness. Read More

Exp Physiol 2019 10 22;104(10):1532-1543. Epub 2019 Aug 22.

Nantes Université, Movement-Interactions-Performance, MIP, EA 4334, F-44000, Nantes, France.

New Findings: What is the central question of this study? Do neural and/or mechanical factors determine the extent of muscle damage induced by eccentric contractions? What is the main finding and its importance? The extent of muscle damage induced by eccentric contractions is related to both mechanical strain and corticospinal excitability measured at long muscle lengths during eccentric contractions.

Abstract: In this study, we investigated whether the mechanical and neural characteristics of maximal voluntary eccentric contractions would determine the extent of change in postexercise maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) torque and muscle soreness. Eleven men performed 10 sets of 15 isokinetic (45 deg s ) maximal voluntary eccentric knee extensions. Read More

J Strength Cond Res 2019 Jul;33(7):1781-1794

Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.

Crowther, FA, Sealey, RM, Crowe, MJ, Edwards, AM, and Halson, SL. Effects of various recovery strategies on repeated bouts of simulated intermittent activity. J Strength Cond Res 33(7): 1781-1794, 2019-A large variety of recovery strategies are used between and after bouts of exercise to maximize performance and perceptual recovery, with limited conclusive evidence regarding the effectiveness of these strategies. Read More

J Appl Physiol (1985) 2019 09 20;127(3):798-805. Epub 2019 Jun 20.

Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan.

The present study aims to investigate effects of caffeine ingestion and sex difference on muscle performance, delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and various biomarkers under exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Twenty (10 male and 10 female) healthy elite college athletes were recruited. Participants ingested either caffeine (6 mg/kg) or a placebo in a randomized, double-blind, and counterbalanced fashion at 24 and 48 h following EIMD. Read More

Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2019 Sep;14(8):1081-1088

Context: Of the 3 branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), leucine has arguably received the most attribution for the role of BCAA supplementation in alleviating symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage and facilitation of acute performance recovery.

Purpose: To examine whether enrichment of a standard BCAA supplement with additional leucine or a standalone leucine (LEU) supplement differentially affects exercise-induced muscle damage and performance recovery compared with a standard BCAA supplement.

Methods: A total of 22 recreationally active male and female subjects were recruited and assigned to consume a BCAA, leucine-enriched BCAA (LBCAA), or LEU supplement for 11 d. Read More

J Diet Suppl 2020 26;17(4):401-414. Epub 2019 Apr 26.

Department of Health and Human Performance, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA.

Curcumin has been shown to reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of curcumin supplementation on OS, inflammation, muscle damage, and muscle soreness. Nineteen males participated in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to examine the effects of curcumin supplementation (1. Read More

J Strength Cond Res 2019 Jun;33(6):1488-1495

Unit of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.

Ahokas, EK, Ihalainen, JK, Kyröläinen, H, and Mero, AA. Effects of water immersion methods on postexercise recovery of physical and mental performance. J Strength Cond Res 33(6): 1488-1495, 2019-The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 3 water immersion interventions performed after active recovery compared with active recovery only on physical and mental performance measures and physiological responses. Read More

J Diet Suppl 2020 19;17(3):309-320. Epub 2019 Mar 19.

School of Kinesiology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA, USA.

The purpose of the present study was to examine whether 14 days of supplementation with maritime pine extract leading up to and following an exercise test would increase performance and reduce biomarkers associated with muscle damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The study used a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design. Twenty apparently healthy young male participants ingested either 800 mg pine bark extract or placebo for 14 days prior to the first exercise trial and for 2 days postexercise. Read More

J Sport Rehabil 2020 May 18;29(4):385-393. Epub 2019 Oct 18.

Context: Kinesio taping (KT) is a popular taping technique used in the recovery process; however, in the relevant literature, there is no real consensus on its efficacy.

Objective: To investigate whether rectus femoris KT application after delayed onset muscle soreness enhances recovery of muscle soreness, edema, and physical performance.

Participants: A total of 22 healthy amateur male athletes participated in this study. Read More

Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2019 Oct 19;44(10):1033-1042. Epub 2019 Feb 19.

Florida Atlantic University, Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion, Muscle Physiology Laboratory, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA.

This study examined the time course of recovery following resistance exercise sessions in the back squat, bench press, and deadlift. Twelve well-trained males (age: 24.5 ± 3. Read More

Amino Acids 2019 Apr 9;51(4):589-597. Epub 2019 Jan 9.

Center of Research in Health Sciences, North University of Paraná (UNOPAR), Avenue Paris, 675, Jardim Piza, Londrina, PR, CEP: 86041-120, Brazil.

β-Alanine supplementation has been shown to increase muscle carnosine levels and exercise performance. However, its effects on muscle recovery from resistance exercise (RE) remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of β-alanine supplementation on muscle function during recovery from a single session of high-intensity RE. Read More