Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

The Effect of Whey Protein Supplementation on Muscle Soreness and Factors of Muscle Damage after Exercise Training in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trial Studies

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
Fatemeh Kazeminasab 1
Zahra Bagheri 2
Fatemeh Tajabadi 2
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, School of Humanities, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran
2 MSc Student, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, School of Humanities, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran
10.48305/jims.v42.i772.0526
Abstract
Background: Several studies have investigated the effect of whey protein supplementation on muscle damage markers and recovery of athletes. However, combined data from several studies show that the benefits of whey protein on recovery in athletes are limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of whey protein supplementation on post-exercise recovery and muscle damage factors in healthy subjects.
Methods: A systematic search of published articles until November 2023 was conducted to examine the effect of whey protein supplementation on markers of muscle damage such as creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), myoglobin (Mb), and muscle soreness in healthy individuals. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and standardized mean difference (SMD) were calculated using a random-effects model.
Findings: In this meta-analysis comprising 32 studies with 625 participants, it was found that whey protein consumption led to a significant reduction in muscle soreness at immediate, 24,72, and 96 hours post-exercise. Additionally, a substantial impact of whey protein on CK at 24 hours post-exercise, compared to the control group, was observed. Moreover, whey protein significantly affected LDH immediately after exercise training in athletes. However, whey protein did not affect Mb in athletes and non-athletes at any time.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this research, consumption of whey protein supplements decreased CK and LDH after exercise training. However, investigating the effect of whey protein supplementation in reducing muscle soreness and post-exercise recovery requires more studies.

Highlights

Fatemeh Kazeminasab: Google Scholar, PubMed

Keywords
Exercise training
Whey protein
Creatine kinase
Lactate dehydrogenase
Myoglobin

Subjects

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 42, Issue 772
4th Week, August
July and August 2024
Pages 526-544

  • Receive Date 27 July 2024
  • Accept Date 22 September 2024