The Effect of Protein Supplementation and Playing Time on Recovery Kinetics During a Congested Basketball Schedule

Despite being widely promoted, protein supplementation's overall effectiveness during demanding basketball schedules remains unclear. This study investigated whether increased protein intake can accelerate recovery of muscle function during a 6-day congested basketball microcycle consisting of three consecutive games while accounting for the impact of playing time.

In a randomized, two-trial, cross-over, double-blind repeated measures design, eighteen male basketball players were assigned to a high (High PT) or a moderate (Mod PT) playing time group and participated in two trials, receiving daily either milk protein (PRO trial) or an isoenergetic amount of carbohydrates. Each trial included three consecutive games (days 1-3) and a 72 h recovery period following Game 3 (days 4-6), during which players participated in low-load practice sessions. Isometric and isokinetic peak torque of knee extensors and flexors in the dominant limb, serum creatine kinase (CK) concentration, and erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) levels were assessed prior to each game and practice session.

CK increased (p < 0.01) on game days in both groups but recovered earlier in Mod PT compared to High PT. Both eccentric and concentric peak torque was impaired (p < 0.01) up to 24-48 h post-G3 in a velocity-dependent manner. Eccentric peak torque of knee flexors at 60°/s declined to a greater extent in High PT compared to Mod PT (p < 0.01). Protein supplementation resulted in higher erythrocyte GSH concentration at pre-G2 (p < 0.05) and pre-G3 (p < 0.05) compared to placebo in both groups but did not affect any of the study outcomes.

Increased protein intake during a congested basketball schedule increases erythrocyte GSH concentration but does not accelerate recovery of muscle function.