Effects of essential amino acid supplementation on musculotendinous recovery following eccentric plantar flexor exercise: a randomized controlled trial.
J Int Soc Sports NutrSep 4, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPhysical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Ecaterina Vasenina, Janna P Adams, Foresten L Williams et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage in 36 recreationally active males following eccentric plantar flexor exercise. EAA supplementation significantly reduced perceived soreness at 24 hours compared to placebo and facilitated a quicker return to baseline muscle swelling within 72 hours.
Key findings
- EAA supplementation reduced soreness at 24 hours compared to placebo (p < 0.001).
- Calf muscle swelling returned to baseline by 72 hours in the EAA group, but remained elevated in the placebo group (p < 0.001).
- Eccentric exercise increased calf muscle thickness and circumference (p < 0.001).
- Achilles tendon thickness decreased immediately post-exercise (p = 0.005) but was unaffected by EAA supplementation.
Why it matters
Understanding the role of EAA supplementation in recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage can help clinicians optimize recovery strategies for athletes and active individuals, potentially enhancing performance and reducing downtime.