Does Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) Supplementation Attenuate Muscle Damage Markers and Soreness after Resistance Exercise in Trained Males? A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Chutimon Khemtong,Chih-Yen Chen,Giancarlo Condello,Salvador J Jaime,Chia-Hua Kuo

doi:10.3390/nu13061880

Abstract

Previous studies have reported the positive effects of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) supplementation on lowering plasma markers of muscle damage and subjective soreness after resistance exercise. However, a variety of factors can potentially moderate its efficacy. This meta-analysis aimed to summarize the evidence regarding the effect of BCAAs supplementation on plasma muscle damage markers and soreness after resistance exercise in only trained males, by considering the plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK). Randomized controlled trials were identified through a computerized literature search for the period 2010–2020. The pooled data were analyzed with the random-effects model and heterogeneity using I2. Cochrane Collaboration tools was used for the assessment of risk of bias. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. A positive effect was found for CK at <24, 24, and 48 h after exercise and for muscle soreness at <24 h only. However, the positive effect was not evident for plasma LDH at any follow-up time. Different outcomes for post-exercise responses may suggest that BCAAs supplementation can attenuate muscle damage and ameliorate muscle soreness after resistance exercise in trained males.

Highlights

Resistance exercise is commonly used by general population and athletes to increase muscular strength, endurance, power, and muscle mass
The proposed model of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) includes two phases, the primary damage resulting from the mechanical stress during the exercise bout, and the subsequent secondary damage involving the loss of membrane integrity at the sarcoplasmic reticulum and causing the leakage of intramuscular proteins from the muscle sarcolemma into the blood for several days after exercise [5]
VAS compared to control to group at

Summary

Introduction

Resistance exercise is commonly used by general population and athletes to increase muscular strength, endurance, power, and muscle mass. The proposed model of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) includes two phases, the primary damage resulting from the mechanical stress during the exercise bout, and the subsequent secondary damage involving the loss of membrane integrity at the sarcoplasmic reticulum and causing the leakage of intramuscular proteins from the muscle sarcolemma into the blood for several days after exercise [5]. This secondary damage can be associated with the inflammatory responses, which are divided in early and late stages, encompassing satellite cells activation and proliferation and terminal differentiation and growth, respectively [6]. The possible consequences of EIMD are disruption of intracellular muscle structure, sarcolemma and extracellular matrix, prolonged impairment of muscle function, delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), stiffness, and swelling lasting for several days [7]

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