Effects of HMB supplementation on muscle recovery after exercise

The Effect of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate Supplementation on Muscle Damage Induced by Resistance Exercise

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Poznan University of Physical Education · NCT04549610

This study is testing if taking HMB supplements can help speed up muscle recovery and improve strength in men who do speed-strength training.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexMale
SponsorPoznan University of Physical Education Academic / other
Locations1 site (São Paulo, São Paulo - SP)
Trial IDNCT04549610 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation on muscle recovery and strength performance in speed-strength trained individuals. Participants will receive either HMB (4.0 g/day) or a placebo for seven days, with assessments conducted before and after an acute resistance exercise session. The study employs a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design, involving 30 male participants who will undergo various strength and muscle damage marker evaluations. Food intake will also be monitored to ensure consistent dietary protein levels during the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are male athletes with at least one year of strength training experience and specific strength benchmarks.

Not a fit: Patients with current injuries or serious health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance recovery strategies for athletes and individuals engaged in strength training.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with HMB supplementation in muscle recovery, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* written informed consent from all participants before the study
* a current medical clearance to practice sports,
* training experience: at least 1 year strength training programs that include lower limbs,
* minimum of 3 workout sessions (strength/resistance training) a week,
* protein intake in customary diet and during the study protocol \> 1.6g / kg of body mass per day,
* individual maximum strength greater than 2.5 times the body weight for the 1RM test in the leg-press.

Exclusion Criteria:

* current injury,
* any health-related contraindication,
* declared general feeling of being unwell,
* unwilling to follow the study protocol,
* serious disease or metabolic problems,
* intake of creatine, caffeine or beta-alanine, or other ergogenic supplements 3 months before the beginning of the study,
* history of anabolic androgenic steroids or drugs use that may interfere with muscle mass control (eg, corticosteroids), or affect physical performance,
* smoking and tobacco use,
* presence of infectious disease in the previous 4 weeks of the study.

Where this trial is running

São Paulo, São Paulo - SP

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions SupplementationSportSports NutritionMuscle DamageRecovery
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.