In addition, CM has been noted for its’ good taste, wide availability, low cost and convenience, which could make it a popular alternative to commercial sports beverages. Two studies

find more reported that CM consumption following a heavy endurance exercise session was associated with equal [22] or superior [23] performance during subsequent exercise compared to carbohydrate alone. Similarly, Cockburn et al. [5] reported that compared BAY 11-7082 supplier to carbohydrate beverages, CM ingestion during recovery from heavy eccentric exercise improved peak torque and total work during subsequent exercise. However, the carbohydrate beverages utilized in each of these studies contained fewer calories than CM, so it is possible that the purported benefits Combretastatin A4 ic50 may have been related to caloric differences between treatments. At least

two studies have examined CHO+Pro ingestion in free-living endurance athletes. Luden et al. [6] reported that CHO+Pro attenuated plasma CK and muscle soreness compared to CHO in collegiate distance runners during six days of training. Similarly, Cade et al. [24] reported improvements in plasma CK and lactate dehydrogenase with CHO+Pro supplementation during intensive training in collegiate swimmers. However, we are aware of no studies comparing CHO and CHO+Pro treatments on recovery in team-sport athletes such as soccer players. Soccer is an alternating-intensity endurance sport which has been shown to significantly reduce muscle glycogen stores [25, 26]. In addition, plyometric exercises such as those utilized Mirabegron in soccer training have been

associated with increased muscle soreness, elevated blood CK levels and impaired performance in subsequent exercise [27]. Thus, the utilization of post-exercise nutrition interventions that influence these variables could potentially affect recovery in soccer players. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of CM to an isocaloric carbohydrate beverage on markers of recovery following a period of increased training duration in competitive soccer players. Methods Participants Twenty-two NCAA Division I male soccer players volunteered for the study following a complete explanation of procedures. Five subjects failed to complete all testing, or were unable to complete consistent training programs due to musculoskeletal injuries unrelated to the study. Four subjects were excluded from final statistical analyses due to large variations in dependent measurements between baseline periods (described below) resulting in 13 subjects included in data analyses. Prior to the study, all potential subjects signed an informed consent form and completed a Pre-participation Screening Questionnaire [28]. Individuals with preexisting injury, those taking medications to relieve soreness, or with milk allergies were excluded from study participation.