Effects of sub-chronic branched chain amino acid supplementation on markers of muscle damage and performance variables following 1 week of rigorous weight training

Methods Apparently healthy resistance trained males (n = 30) were randomized to either a BCAA group or the CHO control group. Participants performed preliminary testing (T1) to derive peak quadriceps isometric torque, peak quadriceps isokinetic torque (60o and 120o per second), and a 1RM barbell back squat. The following week, the participants performed 10x5 repetitions at 80% of their 1RM barbell back squat for 3 consecutive days. During this experimental intervention antecubital blood was drawn to assess serum myoglobin concentrations, in addition a visual analog scale was utilized in order to measure subjective perceptions of muscular soreness. 48 hours following the third bout of exercise, participants performed post testing (T2) like T1 testing and donated a final blood draw.