Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effects of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate free acid and cold water immersion on post-exercise markers of muscle damage

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Amino Acids Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of cold water immersion (CWI) with and without the free acid form of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB-FA) on markers of muscle damage following acute lower body resistance exercise. Forty recreationally resistance-trained men (22.3 ± 2.4 years) were randomly divided into one of the four groups: (1) Placebo (PL); (2) HMB-FA; (3) HMB-FA-CWI; (4) PL-CWI. HMB-FA groups ingested 3 g day−1 and CWI groups submersed their lower body into 10–12 °C water for 10-min post-exercise. No differences between groups were observed for CK; however, PL-CWI had significantly greater elevations in myoglobin 30-min post-exercise compared to HMB-FA (p = 0.009) and PL (p = 0.005), and HMB-FA-CWI was significantly greater than HMB-FA (p = 0.046) and PL (p = 0.028). No differences between groups were observed for IL-6 and IL-10, although CRP was significantly greater 24-h post-exercise for PL-CWI compared to HMB-FA-CWI (p = 0.02) and HMB-FA (p = 0.046). Only HMB-FA-CWI showed significantly (p = 0.02) greater improvements in average power per repetition. CWI appeared to elevate myoglobin compared to other groups, while HMB-FA may have attenuated the increase in CRP when combined with CWI. Nevertheless, HMB-FA or CWI treatments did not appear to provide benefit over PL for recovery. Instead, the combination of CWI and HMB-FA improved performance recovery compared to other groups.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Banfi G, Lombardi G, Colombini A, Melegati G (2010) Whole-body cryotherapy in athletes. Sports Med 40(6):509–517

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Black S, Kushner I, Samols D (2004) C-reactive protein. J Biol Chem 279(47):48487–48490

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brzycki M (1993) Strength testing—predicting a one-rep max from reps-to-fatigue. J Phys Educ Recreat Dance 64(1):88–90

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buford TW, Cooke MB, Willoughby DS (2009) Resistance exercise-induced changes of inflammatory gene expression within human skeletal muscle. Eur J Appl Physiol 107(4):463–471

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Calle MC, Fernandez ML (2010) Effects of resistance training on the inflammatory response. Nutr Res Pract 4(4):259–269

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Croisier JL, Camus G, Venneman I, Deby-Dupont G, Juchmès-Ferir A, Lamy M, Crielaard JM, Deby C, Duchateau J (1999) Effects of training on exercise-induced muscle damage and interleukin 6 production. Muscle Nerve 22(2):208–212

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dill D, Costill DL (1974) Calculation of percentage changes in volumes of blood, plasma, and red cells in dehydration. J Appl Physiol 37:247

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eley HL, Russell ST, Baxter JH, Mukerji P, Tisdale MJ (2007) Signaling pathways initiated by β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate to attenuate the depression of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle in response to cachectic stimuli. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 293(4):E923–E931

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eston R, Peters D (1999) Effects of cold water immersion on the symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage. J Sports Sci 17(3):231–238

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fuller JC, Sharp RL, Angus HF, Baier SM, Rathmacher JA (2011) Free acid gel form of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) improves HMB clearance from plasma in human subjects compared with the calcium HMB salt. Br J Nutr 105(03):367–372

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hirose L, Nosaka K, Newton M, Laveder A, Kano M, Peake J, Suzuki K (2004) Changes in inflammatory mediators following eccentric exercise of the elbow flexors. Exerc Immunol Rev 10(75–90):20

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffman J (2006) Norms for fitness, performance, and health. Human Kinetics Publishers, Champaign, IL

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffman JR, Cooper J, Wendell M, Im J, Kang J (2004) Effects of [beta]-hydroxy [beta]-methylbutyrate on power performance and indices of muscle damage and stress during high-intensity training. J Strength Cond Res 18(4):747–752

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hoffman JR, Ratamess NA, Tranchina CP, Rashti SL, Kang J, Faigenbaum AD (2010) Effect of a proprietary protein supplement on recovery indices following resistance exercise in strength/power athletes. Amino Acids 38(3):771–778

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ingram J, Dawson B, Goodman C, Wallman K, Beilby J (2009) Effect of water immersion methods on post-exercise recovery from simulated team sport exercise. J Sci Med Sport 12(3):417–421

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kenttä G, Hassmen P, Kellmann M (2002) Underrecovery and overtraining: a conceptual model. Enhancing recovery: preventing underperformance in athletes. Human Kinetics Publishers, Champaign, IL

  • Kones R (2009) The Jupiter study, CRP screening, and aggressive statin therapy-implications for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Ther Adv Cardiovasc Dis 3(4):309–315

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lee KA, Hicks G, Nino-Murcia G (1991) Validity and reliability of a scale to assess fatigue. Psychiatry Res 36(3):291–298

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leeder J, Gissane C, van Someren K, Gregson W, Howatson G (2012) Cold water immersion and recovery from strenuous exercise: a meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med 46(4):233–240

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • MacIntyre DL, Sorichter S, Mair J, Berg A, McKenzie DC (2001) Markers of inflammation and myofibrillar proteins following eccentric exercise in humans. Eur J Appl Physiol 84(3):180–186

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Meyer T, Gabriel HH, Ratz M, Muller H, Kindermann W (2001) Anaerobic exercise induces moderate acute phase response. Med Sci Sports Exerc 33(4):549–555

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nissen S, Van Koevering M, Webb D (1990) Analysis of β-hydroxy-β-methyl butyrate in plasma by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Anal Biochem 188(1):17–19

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Peake J, Nosaka KK, Muthalib M, Suzuki K (2006) Systemic inflammatory responses to maximal versus submaximal lengthening contractions of the elbow flexors. Exerc Immunol Rev 12:72–85

    Google Scholar 

  • Pedersen BK, Steensberg A, Fischer C, Keller C, Ostrowski K, Schjerling P (2001) Exercise and cytokines with particular focus on muscle-derived IL-6. Exerc Immunol Rev 7:18

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Petersen AMW, Pedersen BK (2005) The anti-inflammatory effect of exercise. J Appl Physiol 98(4):1154–1162

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Phillips MD, Mitchell JB, Currie-Elolf LM, Yellott RC, Hubing KA (2010) Influence of commonly employed resistance exercise protocols on circulating IL-6 and indices of insulin sensitivity. J Strength Cond Res 24(4):1091

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pue CA, Mortensen RF, Marsh CB, Pope HA, Wewers MD (1996) Acute phase levels of C-reactive protein enhance IL-1 beta and IL-1ra production by human blood monocytes but inhibit IL-1 beta and IL-1ra production by alveolar macrophages. J Immunol 156(4):1594–1600

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ransone J, Neighbors K, Lefavi R, Chromiak J (2003) The effect of beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate on muscular strength and body composition in collegiate football players. J Strength Cond Res/Natl Strength Cond Assoc 17(1):34–39

    Google Scholar 

  • Ratamess NA, Kraemer WJ, Volek JS, Rubin MR, Gomez AL, French DN, Sharman MJ, McGuigan MM, Scheett T, HÄKKINEN K (2003) The effects of amino acid supplementation on muscular performance during resistance training overreaching. J Strength Cond Res 17(2):250–258

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Smith L, Anwar A, Fragen M, Rananto C, Johnson R, Holbert D (2000) Cytokines and cell adhesion molecules associated with high-intensity eccentric exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol 82(1–2):61–67

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Smith HJ, Mukerji P, Tisdale MJ (2005) Attenuation of proteasome-induced proteolysis in skeletal muscle by β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate in cancer-induced muscle loss. Cancer Res 65(1):277–283

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Swenson C, Swärd L, Karlsson J (1996) Cryotherapy in sports medicine. Scand J Med Sci Sports 6(4):193–200

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tseng C, Lee J, Tsai Y, Lee S, Kao C, Liu T, Lai C, Harris M, Kuo C (2012) Topical cooling (icing) delays recovery from eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage. J Strength Cond Res 27(5):1354–1361

    Google Scholar 

  • Uchida MC, Nosaka K, Ugrinowitsch C, Yamashita A, Martins E Jr, Moriscot AS, Aoki MS (2009) Effect of bench press exercise intensity on muscle soreness and inflammatory mediators. J Sports Sci 27(5):499–507

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Van Someren KA, Edwards AJ, Howatson G (2005) Supplementation with [beta]-hydroxy-[beta]-methylbutyrate (HMB) and [alpha]-ketoisocaproic acid (KIC) reduces signs and symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage in man. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 15(4):413–424

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Versey NG, Halson SL, Dawson BT (2013) Water immersion recovery for athletes: effect on exercise performance and practical recommendations. Sports Med 43(11):1101–1130

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilkinson DJ, Hossain T, Hill DS, Phillips BE, Crossland H, Williams J, Loughna P, Churchward‐Venne TA, Breen L, Phillips SM (2013) Effects of leucine and its metabolite β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate on human skeletal muscle protein metabolism. J Physiol 591(11):2911–2923

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilson JM, Kim J, Lee S, Rathmacher JA, Dalmau B, Kingsley JD, Koch H, Manninen AH, Saadat R, Panton LB (2009) Acute and timing effects of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) on indirect markers of skeletal muscle damage. Nutr Metab 6(6):1–8

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilson JM, Fitschen PJ, Campbell B, Wilson GJ, Zanchi N, Taylor L, Wilborn C, Kalman DS, Stout JR, Hoffman JR (2013a) International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB). J Int Soc Sports Nutr 10(1):1–14

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson JM, Lowery RP, Joy JM, Walters JA, Baier SM, Fuller JC, Stout JR, Norton LE, Sikorski EM, Wilson S (2013b) β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate free acid reduces markers of exercise-induced muscle damage and improves recovery in resistance-trained men. Br J Nutr 1(1):1–7

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This study was funded through a Grant from Metabolic Technologies, Inc. HMB-FA was formulated and supplied by Metabolic Technologies, Inc.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Exercise Physiology and Wellness, Sport and Exercise Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA

    Adam M. Gonzalez, Jeffrey R. Stout, Adam R. Jajtner, Jeremy R. Townsend, Adam J. Wells, Kyle S. Beyer, Carleigh H. Boone, Gabriel J. Pruna, Gerald T. Mangine, Tyler M. Scanlon, Jonathan D. Bohner, Leonardo P. Oliveira, Maren S. Fragala & Jay R. Hoffman

  2. Sport and Exercise Science, College of Education and Human Performance, University of Central Florida, P.O. Box 161250, Orlando, FL, 32816-1250, USA

    Jeffrey R. Stout

Authors
  1. Adam M. Gonzalez
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jeffrey R. Stout
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Adam R. Jajtner
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Jeremy R. Townsend
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Adam J. Wells
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Kyle S. Beyer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Carleigh H. Boone
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Gabriel J. Pruna
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Gerald T. Mangine
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. Tyler M. Scanlon
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  11. Jonathan D. Bohner
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  12. Leonardo P. Oliveira
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  13. Maren S. Fragala
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  14. Jay R. Hoffman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jeffrey R. Stout.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Gonzalez, A.M., Stout, J.R., Jajtner, A.R. et al. Effects of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate free acid and cold water immersion on post-exercise markers of muscle damage. Amino Acids 46, 1501–1511 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-014-1722-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-014-1722-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation