The Effects of β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate Free Acid and High-Intensity Interval Training

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Objectives: 1) Determine the effect of 4-weeks of high intensity interval training (HIIT) and free acid form β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB-FA) on VO2peak, lactate threshold, critical power, anaerobic working capacity and neuromuscular economy in a population of endurance trained individuals. 2) Determine the effect of 4-weeks of HIIT and HMB-FA on changes in skeletal muscle physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA=Volume/Fascicle length) and muscle quality (MQ=echo intensity) in the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis. Subjects: Fifty males and females between the ages of 18 - 35 will be recruited to participate in this study. Subject will be randomized to one of three groups: a control group (CTL), an HIIT only group (HIIT) or a group which will take the amino acid metabolite HMB and perform HIIT (HMB-HIIT). Individuals assigned to CTL will undergo baseline testing. They will then be asked to continue their normal exercise routine for 4 weeks and will undergo post-testing after this time period. Study Protocol: Two testing sessions, on nonconsecutive days, will occur at least 72 hours prior to the start of the training period. The same testing protocols will be repeated at the end of the 4-week training period. Testing protocols include performance testing (VO2peak, lactate threshold, critical power, anaerobic working capacity and neuromuscular economy) and anthropometric measures (physiological cross-sectional area and muscle quality). The training protocol for individuals in the experimental groups will consist of 4-weeks of high intensity interval training with three sessions per week on an electronically braked cycle ergometer. Individual work -loads will be calculated based on the outcomes from each participant's preliminary testing.

Official Title
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The Effects of β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate Free Acid Gel and High-Intensity Interval Training on Quadriceps Muscle Architecture and Quality, Neuromuscular Economy, and Metabolic Performance in Recreationally Trained Individuals

Conditions
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Exercise

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: Placebo
* Dietary Supplement: HMB-FA
* Procedure: High Intensity Interval Training


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Recreationally-trained individuals with a VO2peak>40 ml∙kg-1∙min-1. Free of any physical limitations as determined by the Confidential Medical and Activity questionnaire and/or PAR-Q Between the ages of 18 and 35 Exclusion Criteria: Inability to perform physical exercise, as determined by the Confidential Medical and Activity questionnaire and/or PAR-Q Any chronic illness that causes continuous medical care

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 35 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Triple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| No Intervention: Control<br>Individuals assigned to Control Group will undergo baseline testing and then be asked to continue their normal exercise routine for 4 weeks and will undergo post-testing (visits 16 and 17) after this time period. | |
| Placebo Comparator: Placebo + High-Intesnity Interval Training (HIIT)<br>On training days, individuals will consume 1 gram of placebo 30 min prior to training, 1gram placebo 1 hour post training, and 1gram placebo 3 hours post training. On non-training days, individuals will consume placebo 3 times per day (8am, 12pm and 4pm). | Dietary Supplement: Placebo<br> <br> Procedure: High Intensity Interval Training<br> <br> |
| Active Comparator: HMB-FA + HIIT<br>On training days, individuals will consume 1 gram HMB-FA 30 min prior to training, 1gram HMB-FA 1 hour post training, and 1gram HMB-FA 3 hours post training. On non-training days, individuals will consume HMB-FA 3 times per day (8am, 12pm and 4pm). | Dietary Supplement: HMB-FA<br> <br> * Other names: beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate free acid (HMB-FA);Procedure: High Intensity Interval Training<br> <br> |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VO2peak/Ventilatory Threshold/fatigue threshold | A continuous graded exercise test will be performed on an electronically-braked cycle ergometer to determine maximal oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and the peak power output (PPO) in watts (W) at VO2peak. | Change from baseline after four weeks of high intensity interval training | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| EMG Activity Assessment | To assess EMG activity, a bipolar surface electrode arrangement will be placed over the muscles of the quadriceps. The EMG signals will be expressed as root mean square (RMS) amplitude values. During the leg extensor trial, electromyography (EMG) root mean square (RMS) amplitude values will be recorded | Change from baseline after four weeks of high intensity interval training | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Performance, Aerobic Exercise