A comparison of sheep's milk and cow's milk beverages on performance recovery following a vigorous eccentric exercise protocol : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Science in Human Nutrition at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare the potential nutritional benefit of consuming a sheep’s milk (SM) beverage versus a cow’s milk (CM) beverage on acute performance recovery following strenuous eccentric (ECC) exercise. METHODS: Ten healthy men volunteered to participate in the study which used a randomised, double-blind, cross-over design, using a one-legged model. Participants performed baseline (BL) tests for maximal voluntary concentric (CON), ECC, and isometric (ISO) muscle contractions for a leg extension movement, measuring peak torque (PT) of the quadriceps muscles of one leg before performing an exercise protocol designed to induce muscle damage. Following the exercise participants repeated the performance measures before consuming either a chocolate-flavoured SM or CM drink. Participants returned to the lab 24h, 48h, and 72h later to repeat the same performance measures. Subjective measures for muscle soreness were also recorded at BL, 0h, 24h, 48h, and 72h time points. Following a minimum 10-day washout period, the participants completed a second trial on the contralateral leg and consuming the other beverage. RESULTS: A significant main effect for Time was observed for both performance and subjective measures when compared to BL measures, suggesting that muscle damage did occur. However, no significant Treatment effects or Treatment X Time interactions were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that SM may offer similar benefits for recovery from exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD) as those which have previously been shown for CM supplements, providing some efficacy for its use in a sports recovery context. However, further research is warranted to better understand the differences between the two milks and the possible implications this may have in a sports nutrition setting.