Effect Of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate And Creatine Supplementation On Muscle Recovery In Elite Rowers As Measured By Anabolic And Catabolic Hormones.

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to experimentally investigate the effect of supplementation with creatine (Cr) and / or β-hydroxymethyl-β-hydroxy (HMB) on muscle recovery in elite rowers using anabolic and catabolic hormones. The hypothesis was that supplementation with both HMB + Cr for 10 weeks would improve muscle recovery, as measured by testosterone and T/C ratio, to a greater degree than would each individual supplements alone. METHODS: Twenty-four elite rowers (27.0 ± 5.6 years) who participated in the 10-week non-placebo-controlled trial were randomized to one of the following 4 groups: GC: Control group; GCR: Group supplemented with Cr (0.04 g / kg / day); GHMB: Group supplemented with HMB (3 g / day); and, GCR + HMB (supplemented with the same doses as individual). RESULTS: There were significant differences in testosterone behavior, as well as in the Testosterone / Cortisol ratio (T/C) between groups. Higher testosterone levels were observed in GCR + HMB than in the others (p <0.05). A smaller decrease in the T / C ratio in the GCR + HMB than in the others was also observed (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that combined supplementation with Cr (0.04 mg / kg) together with β-hydroxymethyl-βutyrate (HMB) (3 g / kg) in elite rowers favors endogenous recovery through an increase in total testosterone and maintenance of the T / C ratio.