Document Type : Review Article
Authors
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
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