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Aerobic exercise training adaptations are increased by postexercise carbohydrate-protein supplementation
Lisa Ferguson-Stegall1, Erin McCleave, Zhenping Ding
1Exercise Physiology and Metabolism Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism
|July 21, 2011
Summary
Chocolate milk (CM) supplementation post-aerobic exercise enhanced maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and improved body composition more effectively than carbohydrate-only supplements or a placebo. This highlights CM as a superior recovery option.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Nutrition
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Post-exercise carbohydrate-protein supplementation aids training adaptation.
- Previous research focused on resistance exercise recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of chocolate milk (CM), carbohydrate (CHO), and placebo on aerobic exercise training adaptations.
- To evaluate the impact on maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and body composition.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-two untrained subjects completed 4.5 weeks of aerobic cycling training.
- Supplements (CM, CHO, placebo) were ingested immediately and 1 hour post-exercise.
- Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and body composition were measured pre- and post-training.
Main Results:
- VO2 max improvements were significantly greater in the CM group compared to CHO and placebo.
- The CM group showed superior improvements in lean and fat mass differential for the whole body and trunk compared to the CHO group.
- Chocolate milk demonstrated enhanced effects on aerobic power and body composition.
Conclusions:
- Post-exercise chocolate milk supplementation is more effective than carbohydrate-only supplements for improving aerobic power.
- Chocolate milk enhances body composition changes, including lean and fat mass, following aerobic training.
- CM represents a beneficial nutritional strategy for optimizing aerobic exercise training adaptations.
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