To investigate the effect of Vicia faba protein concentrate, a protein derived from Fava bean extract, on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Participants receive either 2.4g/day of PeptiStrong® supplement capsules or placebo capsules for 14 days until a strenuous exercise session. For the last 3 days, 2/3 of them stay on the same treatment and 1/3 of them switch from placebo to PeptiStrong®.
Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is the result of eccentric muscle contraction and is caused by small tears in the myofibrils. Damage to the muscle fibers causes pain, inflammation, and reduced range of motion which can delay recovery. Peak effects are often experienced 48 - 72 hours following the exercise session but can last up to 7 days post-exercise. Various modalities are utilized to reduce DOMS such as cryotherapy, massage, and compression. However, nutritional supplements have also been studied including Omega 3 fatty acids, creatine monohydrate, tart cherry juice, vitamin D, and probiotics. A recent study (Kerr, et al., 2023) investigated the effects of a protein supplement (PeptiStrong®) from Vicia faba protein concentrate, a protein derived from Fava bean extract. Results showed that 17 days of 2.4 grams of PeptiStrong® significantly improved muscle strength, reduced muscle fatigue, and reduced myostatin expression during the 72 hour recovery period compared to placebo following a strenuous bout of eccentric exercise. This study aims to repeat the methods of Kerr, et al. with the addition of females and a third experimental group. In addition to 17 days of supplementation with Vicia faba Hydrolysate or placebo, a third group will be given 14 days of placebo followed by 3 days of the Vicia faba Hydrolysate supplement to determine if short-term supplementation results in a similar benefit.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
76
2.4 grams (g) daily
2.4 g placebo capsules for 14 days, then 3 days 2.4 g of PeptiStrong® capsules following one muscle damaging exercise session
Gatorade Sports Science Institute at IMG Academy
Bradenton, Florida, United States
RECRUITINGConcentric knee extension and flexion strength
Assessed at an angular velocity of 60°/s through the range of 0-100° knee flexion using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex)
Time frame: Following strenuous muscle damaging exercise on Day 14
Exercise induced expression of markers of muscle stress
Plasma concentrations of IL-6, IL-15, fractalkine, irisin, FGF21, myostatin, osteocrin / PEP- 2414 Page 9 of 32 1/29/25 V6 musclin, osteonectin/SPARC
Time frame: Days 14 at Baseline and 2 hrs post strenuous exercise, and on Days 16 and 17 at 10 minutes post exercise
Ratings of soreness, fatigue, pain, and tenderness.
Rated on a 4-item Recovery survey, anchored from none to extreme
Time frame: Days 14, 15, 16, 17 based on the previous 24 hours
Fatigue index
Calculated from the strength tests using the following equation: (highest force - lowest force) / highest force
Time frame: Baseline Day 0, Day 16 and Day 17 for each strength test
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