Effects of Acute Fish Oil Supplementation on Muscle Function and Soreness After Eccentric Contraction-Induced Muscle...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Science
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is a common response to strenuous physical activity.
• Fish oil (FO) supplementation is explored for its anti-inflammatory and muscle-protective properties.
• Understanding the efficacy of acute FO supplementation on EIMD recovery is crucial for athletes and active individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the efficacy of acute fish oil (FO) supplementation on indices of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD).
• To assess the impact of FO on muscle function recovery, soreness, and systemic inflammation markers in young healthy adults.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-two healthy young adults were randomized into fish oil (FO) or placebo (CON) groups.
• Participants completed a plyometric drop jump protocol to induce EIMD.
• Muscle function (vertical jump, MVC torque), soreness, and inflammation markers were measured pre- and post-exercise at various time points.

Main Results:

• The FO group showed faster recovery of vertical jump height and quadriceps peak torque compared to the CON group.
• Hamstring torque recovery was also enhanced in the FO group.
• Muscle soreness was significantly lower in the FO group at 48 hours post-exercise, and while TNF-α increased in both groups, the CON group showed a trend toward incomplete recovery.

Conclusions:

• Acute fish oil (FO) supplementation may offer modest benefits in aiding muscle recovery and reducing muscle soreness following EIMD.
• The overall impact of FO on EIMD indices in healthy young adults appears to be limited.
• Further research may be warranted to explore optimal dosages and specific populations for FO supplementation in EIMD recovery.