Abstract des Autors

A controlled double-blind study with placebo was performed to evaluate the influence of supplementation with branched-chaim amino acids on respiratory function during aerobic exercise. Twelve athletes took part in the study (10 males and 2 females aged between 13 and 20 years), regulatory performing sport in the form of swimming or waterpolo at a competitive level. Each athlete first underwent a maximal test (Bruce Prot) to evaluate max VO2. Subsequently, athletes underwent a 60-min test with an exercise load equivalent to 70% of VO2max on two occasions with an interval of 3-5 days. Before the tests they received dietary supplementation of branched-chain amnio acids or isocaloric and isoazotate placebo. During exercise the following parameters were recorded: ventilation (VE), oxygen consumption (VO2), production of carbon dioxide (VCO2), minute volume (TV), respiratory quotient (QR), oxygen respiratory equivalent /EqO2), respiratory frequency (FR), minute oxygen volume (TVO2) and heart rate (HR). After branched-chain amino acid supplementation it was observed a reduced oxygen consumption and a lower minute oxygen volume. VCO2 and QR were also reduced, but not in a statistically significant manner. These findings appear to confirm a reduced respiratory effort, at the same work load, after supplemetation with branched-chain amino acids, thus resulting in a lower global energy consumption. Verf.-Referat