Effects of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate and creatine monohydrate supplementation on the aerobic and anaerobic capacity of highly trained athletes.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 6 wks oral supplementation of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) and a mixture of HMB and creatine monohydrate (HMBCr) on aerobic and anaerobic capacity in highly trained athletes. It was hypothesised that HMB and HMBCr would have positive effects on aerobic and anaerobic power.


METHODS
A prospective study involving a repeated measures design was utilised where subjects underwent testing prior to, and immediately after, a 6 wks supplementation period. Elite, male rugby league players (n=27) were divided into 3 groups, a control group (n=6), a HMB group (3 g/d; n=10) and a HMBCr group (3 g/d HMB + 3 g/d Cr; n=11). Testing involved a multistage fitness test to determine aerobic power and a 60 sec maximal cycle test to determine anaerobic capacity. Peak power, total work and peak lactate levels were measured in the anaerobic cycle test.


RESULTS
Two-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed no effect of HMB or HMBCr on any of the measured parameters in comparison to the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Aerobic and anaerobic ability of highly trained male athletes is unaffected by 6 wks oral supplementation with HMB or a combination of HMB and creatine monohydrate.
O'Connor
D M
DM
Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, James Cook University, Australia.
Crowe
M J
MJ
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D003401:Creatine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005538:Football / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000187:drug effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014631:Valerates / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D014631:Valerates; D019344:Lactic Acid; C004961:beta-hydroxyisovaleric acid; D003401:Creatine