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Induction and Assessment of Exertional Skeletal Muscle Damage in Humans
Published on: December 11, 2016
Enhanced inflammation with high carbohydrate intake during recovery from eccentric exercise
Chris M Depner1, Rochelle D Kirwan, Sara J Frederickson
1Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Box 173540, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|April 6, 2010
Summary
Consuming a high carbohydrate diet post-exercise increases muscle inflammation and soreness. A low carbohydrate diet may mitigate the inflammatory response following eccentric exercise.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Science
- Inflammation Biology
Background:
- Macronutrient availability influences adipose tissue inflammation.
- The impact of macronutrient intake on skeletal muscle inflammation post-exercise is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of differing carbohydrate (CHO) intake during recovery from eccentric exercise on the inflammatory response in skeletal muscle.
Main Methods:
- A cross-over study design with 12 young adults (men and women).
- Participants completed high-force eccentric contractions followed by controlled diets (high vs. low CHO) for 8 hours.
- Blood samples were analyzed for inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, CRP), glucose, and insulin.
- Muscle soreness, strength loss, and creatine kinase (CK) activity were monitored for 120 hours.
Main Results:
- Perceived muscle soreness was significantly higher in the high CHO condition compared to the low CHO condition.
- Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) levels increased at 24 hours post-exercise in the high CHO condition.
- A trend indicated elevated Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the high CHO condition.
Conclusions:
- High-force eccentric exercise-induced inflammation in skeletal muscle is exacerbated by a high carbohydrate diet during the recovery period.
- Dietary carbohydrate intake influences the inflammatory and recovery response to eccentric exercise.
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