001) on perception of recovery, but no significant group by time interaction effects (p = 0.895). Figure 3 Weekly mean (±SD) perception of recovery. ANOVA analyses revealed a significant main effect of time on perception of recovery (p < 0.001), but no significant condition × time interaction (p = 0.895). Discussion The manufacturer of StemSport claims that usage of the product “may play a role in assisting the recovery process, thus reducing recovery time and enhancing the natural renewal process” [8]. In the present study we tested the manufacturer claims and hypothesized that if the claims were accurate, enhanced recovery
in response to the SS supplement would improve performance in subsequent exercise training sessions and ultimately lead to a greater cumulative training response CYT387 chemical structure and larger strength gains. The major findings of the present study were, 1) twelve weeks of strength training significantly improved muscle strength and function and 2) compared to placebo, SS supplementation did not provide additional benefits above resistance training alone. To our
knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the effects of SS supplementation in response to strength training. SS is a commercially available nutritional product purported to increase the concentration of circulating stem cells, while reducing oxidative and inflammatory stress, which the manufacturers suggest will accelerate post-exercise recovery. The primary ingredient of SS includes an extract of the fresh water botanical
Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA). AFA has been shown to increase the circulating level of human bone marrow selleck inhibitor derived stem cells [9, 10]. Significant increases in the proliferation of cultures of both human bone marrow cells and human CD34+ stem cell with in vitro administration of AFA [10]. In a randomized double-blind placebo controlled crossover study, oral administration of SS produced PRN1371 nmr transient but significant increase in in vivo concentrations of circulating human CD34+ stem cells, peaking at 25% above baseline at 1 hour, with only minor fluctuations observed in a placebo condition Etofibrate [9]. No measurements of circulating stem cells were collected in the present study, and thus the role of stem cells in the recovery from resistance training remains unclear. The supplementation protocol failed to produce any improvements with resistance training above placebo, suggesting that the transient increase in circulating stem cells associated with SS was inadequate to promote accelerated post-exercise recovery. It seems reasonable to suggest that elevated levels of stem cells above those typically observed do not play a significant role in recovery from resistance training, or that SS did not adequately increase circulating stem cells. StemSport contains a proprietary blend of natural and herbal substances, with documented anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and fibrinolytic effects [11–16].