EFFECTS OF PROTEASE SUPPLEMENTATION ON MUSCLE SORENESS AND CONTRACTILE PERFORMANCE FOLLOWING DOWNHILL RUNNING

Abstract

Protease supplementation has been shown to attenuate soft tissue injury resulting from intense exercise. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of protease supplementation on muscle soreness and contractile performance following downhill running (DHR). Preliminary results were examined on data collected from five matched pairs of male participants who ran at a −10% grade for 30 min at 80% predicted maximum heart rate. Subjects consumed two protease tablets (PRO) (325 mg pancreatic enzymes, 75 mg trypisn, 50 mg papain, 50 mg bromelain, 10 mg amylase, 10 mg lipase, 10 mg lysozyme) or a placebo (PLAC) four times a day for four days (from 24 H pre-DHR to 72 H post-DHR). Supplementation was administered in randomized, double-blind fashion. Subjects were evaluated for perceived muscle soreness (MS) of the front and back of the dominant leg, pressure pain threshold (PPT) by dolorimetry of 4 locations on the thigh (the anterior medial, anterior lateral, posterior medial, and posterior lateral quadrants), peak knee extension (KE)/flexion (KF) torque and power at 3 speeds (90 deg/s, 180 deg/s, and 300 deg/s), and shuttle run time (SRT) immediately prior to DHR, 24 post-DHR, 48 H post-DHR, and 72 H post-DHR. PPT for the posterior aspects of the thigh was reduced at 24 and 48 H after DHR. PPT was lower in the back of the right leg in PLAC as compared to PRO 24 H after DHR. KE torque and power at 90 deg/s was superior among the PRO compared to the PLAC after 48 H. KE torque at 300 deg/s was superior among the PRO at 24 H, 48 H and 72 H after DHR. No differences in SRT were observed between the groups at any time. The results of this investigation indicate that protease supplementation may attenuate muscle soreness following downhill running. Protease supplementation may also facilitate muscle healing and allow for the restoration of contractile function following intense exercise.