title: Cocoa-based protein and carbohydrate drink decreases perceived soreness after exhaustive aerobic exercise: a pragmatic preliminary analysis.
abstract: The purpose of this pragmatic preliminary analysis was to examine the effectiveness of a cocoa-based protein and carbohydrate prototype drink on skeletal muscle damage and perceived soreness after exhaustive exercise. A repeated-measures experimental design was used. Common biomarkers indicative of skeletal muscle damage included creatine kinase (CK), urinary isoprostanes and inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8, C-Reactive Protein [CRP]). Self-reported perception of postexercise soreness was also evaluated. Seven men participated in an exercise session consisting of a 30-minute run on a declined treadmill (-10% grade). Running speed was adjusted accordingly so that participants consistently maintained 75% maximal heart rate. Drinks were ingested immediately after exercise, 2 hours postexercise, and before bed. Blood draws were sampled 30, 60, 120, and 360 minutes postexercise; urine was collected 24 and 48 hours postexercise. A perceived soreness questionnaire was administered 24 and 48 hours postexercise. The test drink had no effect on IL-6, CK, IL-8, CRP, or urinary isoprostanes (p > 0.05). However, the drink decreased the change in perceived soreness from 24 to 48 hours (p = 0.03). Consuming the drink after exercise resulted in a mean change of 2.6 +/- 6 compared to 13.7 +/- 10 for the control. In summary, the drink was effective in decreasing the level of self-reported perceived soreness after exhaustive exercise.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. nmm13@psu.edu
authors.forename: Nicole M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: McBrier
authors.forename: Giampietro L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Vairo
authors.forename: Dee
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bagshaw
authors.forename: Jaimy M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Lekan
authors.forename: Peter L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Bordi
authors.forename: Penny M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Kris-Etherton
mesh_terms: D001628:Beverages; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D002099:Cacao / Q000378:metabolism*; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood; D016209:Interleukin-8 / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D015850:Interleukin-6; D016209:Interleukin-8; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D003402:Creatine Kinase