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High-intensity dynamic human muscle performance enhanced by a metabolic intervention
B R Stevens1, M D Godfrey, T W Kaminski
1Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0274, USA. stevens@phys.med.ufl.edu
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|December 29, 2000
Summary
Supplementing with glycine and L-arginine salt of alpha-ketoisocaproic acid calcium (GAKIC) enhances muscle performance and delays fatigue during intense anaerobic exercise. This metabolic treatment improved muscle torque and work sustained during exercise compared to a control.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Muscle fatigue limits dynamic performance during high-intensity exercise.
- Metabolic interventions are explored to enhance athletic capabilities.
- Understanding the effects of specific supplements on anaerobic performance is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the impact of a metabolic treatment on human muscle dynamic performance.
- To assess effects on strength, work, and fatigue during exhaustive anaerobic exercise.
- To evaluate the efficacy of glycine and L-arginine salt of alpha-ketoisocaproic acid calcium (GAKIC).
Main Methods:
- 13 subjects underwent unilateral isokinetic testing of quadriceps femoris.
- Measurements included peak torque and work pre- and post-fatigue over 23 days.
- Treatments included oral GAKIC or isocaloric sucrose (control) in a randomized double-blind crossover design.
Main Results:
- GAKIC treatment significantly increased the Fatigue Resistance Index (FRI) by up to 28% compared to control.
- Total muscle work was enhanced by 10.5% with GAKIC, sustained for at least 15 minutes.
- No significant differences in concentric forces were observed after 24 hours.
Conclusions:
- Oral GAKIC treatment improved muscle torque and work during acute anaerobic dynamic exercise.
- GAKIC effectively delayed muscle fatigue in the early stages of intense anaerobic exercise.
- The supplement demonstrated a positive effect on overall muscle performance compared to carbohydrate control.