The Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Markers of Muscle Damage and Performance Following Exercise Induced Muscle Damage

To determine the effect of probiotic supplementation on the inflammatory response and subsequent performance following a muscle damaging exercise bout, a double-blind, randomized placebo controlled two-factor repeated measures design will be employed. The dependent variables for this study will include measures of performance as well as markers of inflammation in a single limb model. Participants who qualify for study participation will have their height, weight, and body composition assessed (skin fold) followed by baseline measurements for determination of isometric and dynamic strength. Initial limb will be determined randomly. Following baseline testing, participants will randomly be assigned to ingest either a probiotic or placebo. Supplementation will begin at least 24 hours post baseline testing. Twenty-one days after initiating supplementation, participants will again complete performance testing followed by an exercise bout known to elicit muscle damage and produce an inflammatory response. Participants will then repeat performance testing 24, 48, and 72 hours post muscle damaging bout. Blood samples for determination of markers of inflammation will be taken throughout study duration. Following a 3-week wash-out period (21 days), participants will repeat the experiment following the alternate supplement regimen with the contralateral limb.