Thu, 2012-11-15 23:11 | 
Ph.D Description: Exercise is associated with increased production of free radicals, possibly resulting in the induction of oxidative stress, which is defined as the imbalance between prooxidants and antioxidants in favor of the first molecules (Bloomer &Goldfarb, 2004; Finaud et al., 2006; Nikolaidis et al., 2007; Veskoukis et al., 2008). Free radicals are detrimental for macromolecules when their production is excessive and it has, also, been shown that they have the ability to contribute to the onset of muscle fatigue (Vollaard N. et al., 2005). Intense exercise is also associated with the induction of an inflammatory response due to muscle damage (Smith et al., 2003; Malm 2001). During inflammation phagocytes invade the injured tissue in order to repair it. However, during this process free radicals are produced. Moreover, it has been found that exhaustive exercise especially during the last minutes before exhaustion causes hypoxia.It is accepted that during exercise muscle glycogen is reduced, so when the stores are depleted muscle damage, muscle soreness and muscle fatigue appear (Hermansen et al., 1967; Lambert & Flynn, 2002). The reduction of the above adverse effects and the improvement of the athlete's performance can be achieved either by preventing the depletion of glycogen stores or by their replacement with exogenous administration of carbohydrate or carbohydrate-protein mixtures. The results of previous studies which focused almost exclusively on providing liquid beverages are contradictory (White et al., 2008; Saunders et al., 2004). Additionally there are no studies that examine relevant supplements on inflammation and hypoxia caused by exercise. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the effect of a carbohydrate-protein cake (3.5:1 ratio) on exercise-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and hypoxia in healthy athletes as well as the improvement of athlete's performance after the cake administration. From the proposed study are going to arise data that have not yet been studied as well as comparative data for the administration of solid versus liquid supplements.
References:
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