The Effects of a Pre-Workout Supplement and Eight Weeks of Resistance Training on Markers of Inflammation

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of eight weeks of resistance training and pre-workout supplementation on lean body mass, strength, and markers of inflammation. Twenty four (n=24) healthy, recreationally active, college aged males (19.5 ± 1.3 years) volunteered for this study. Individuals were randomly assigned to supplement (SUP) or placebo (PCBO) groups and drank either a multi-ingredient supplement or color and taste matched placebo 15 minutes prior to exercise three times per week for 8 weeks. Strength and body composition testing was performed before and after the training period. Muscle biopsies and blood draws were performed immediately before and after the first and last exercise bouts. Skeletal muscle and serum samples were analyzed for markers of inflammation. Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed significant differences in lean body mass across subjects following training [F(1, 22) = 20.320, p 0.01] or strength were seen between SUP and PCBO groups (p > 0.01). Pairwise comparisons revealed significant decreases in skeletal muscle IL-6 when comparing pre to post training time points [PRE 1-POST1, t(23) = 4.661, p 0.01). Pairwise comparisons revealed significant decreases in skeletal muscle IL-6 when comparing pre to post training time points [PRE 1-POST1, t(23) = 4.661, p 0.01). No significant differences in cytokine levels were found between SUP and PCBO groups (p 0.01). Further research examining the cytokine response to resistance exercise and the effects of supplementation on the inflammatory response is warranted.