Results (cont’d) Results. Abstract Methods Methods (cont’d) Purpose Conclusions Authors: David Salib Faculty Sponsors: J.R. Wilson, PhD. B. Heddins, M.S. Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX; Applied Exercise Physiology THE EFFECTS OF CHOCOLATE MILK ON RECOVERY FROM EXERCISE Introduction: Exercise is commonly followed by fatigue which an athlete usually tries to minimize with the intake of protein supplements and high protein diets. The fatigue felt by the athlete can have an effect on his or her ability to perform at the same level while focusing on similar muscle groups. Increasing protein intake speeds up the recovery process of the muscles used during exercise, and measurements such as maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2max ) can be used to determine whether or not the athlete can perform exercise at the same level of intensity while targeting the same muscle groups. The VO 2max is the maximum capacity of the body to transport and utilize oxygen during incremental exercise. According to research, chocolate milk has a 4:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio that is believed to positively influence recovery. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if chocolate milk helps in the recovery process after a bout of high intensity exercise is performed. Methods: Initially, ten university males were chosen to be a part of this study, which was later cut to eight total subjects. Following VO 2max testing the groups were divided into treatment (chocolate milk; 21.5± 1 yrs) and placebo groups (Propel; 22 ± 0.82 yrs). The beverages were given post exercise. Each subject performed a graded exercise test on the treadmill with increasing speed and elevation until exhaustion. During each test heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and VO 2max were recorded, as well as time of exercise. Results: The calculated time of exercise following supplementation was (CM: 12:26 ± 0:53 min; P: 10:45 ± 0:07 min); heart rate max (CM: ± 12.4 bpm; P: 191 ± bpm); RPE max (CM: 17.5 ± 1.29; P: 17 ± 2.45); and relative VO 2 max (CM: ± 3.79 ml/kg/min; P: ± 7.6 ml/kg/min). There were not any significant differences between the chocolate milk group and the propel group (p = 0.1). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that there is not a significant difference among the two groups, when comparing them to the p value (p = 0.1). The little differences observed, such as time lasted (p = 0.12) may have been due to different levels of fitness among the subjects, but it wasn’t enough to cause a significant difference. A questionnaire was given to each subject prior to exercise, and each runner said that they felt no fatigue before performing the test. In future studies, it may be beneficial to conduct a different test, such as a bicep resistance training test in order to potentially yield more fatigue among the muscles, and therefore truly test the effect of a protein shake on muscle recovery. The purpose of this study was to determine if chocolate milk helps in the recovery process after a bout of high intensity exercise is performed. Participants: Initially, ten university males were chosen to be a part of this study, which was later cut to eight total subjects. Equipment: Quinton™ Q-Stress™ TM65 treadmill ParvoMedics TrueOne Metabolics System Polar® FT1 heart rate monitor Chocolate milk Propel water Measurements: Relative VO 2 max Heart rate Rate of perceived exertion Time of exercise Table 1: Demographics Chocolate MilkPropel Water Age (yrs)21.5 ± 122 ± 0.82 Height (inches)69 ± ± 2.58 Weight (lbs) ± ± Procedures: Each subject reported to lab, put a heart rate monitor on, and was set up with the appropriate head gear to begin a VO 2 max test using the Bruce protocol. The subjects heart rate was recorded during each minute of exercise and a rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was taken using a Borg scale (6-20) every 3 rd minute, at the end of each stage. This first exercise test was used to retrieve a relative VO 2 max value in order to be able to split the two groups accordingly for determining supplementation. After being given a week to naturally recover from any possible fatigue experienced, each subject returned to the laboratory in order to run a second VO 2 max test. At the end of exercise, a max heart rate and max RPE were recorded as well as the subjects time of exercise and relative VO 2 max. The subject was then given either chocolate milk or Propel water and was asked to return the following day for a final VO 2 max test. When arriving to lab the following day, a questionnaire was provided to determine their level of fatigue, and they then ran a final max test and the same information was recorded and compared to the previous results. The calculated time of exercise following supplementation was (CM: 12:26 ± 0:53 min; P: 10:45 ± 0:07 min); heart rate max (CM: ± 12.4 bpm; P: 191 ± bpm); RPE max (CM: 17.5 ± 1.29; P: 17 ± 2.45); and relative VO 2 max (CM: ± 3.79 ml/kg/min; P: ± 7.6 ml/kg/min). There were not any significant differences between the chocolate milk group and the propel group (p > 0.1). The p values recorded were: Time of exercise (p = 0.12), heart rate max (p = 0.95), RPE max (p = 0.73), and VO 2 max (p = 0.29). There were increased differences observed among the chocolate milk group when compared to the propel water group, but none of which were significant differences. According to the questionnaire, none of the subjects felt fatigue prior to performing the final max test. Therefore, in future studies using a different test should be considered, such as a bicep resistance training test in order to potentially yield more fatigue among the muscles, and therefore truly test the effect of a protein shake on muscle recovery.