Effects of snack foods on exercise recovery and muscle strength

The Acute and Accumulative Effects of Almonds on Exercise Recovery

NA · San Diego State University · NCT06363409

This study tests whether eating almonds or cereal bars after workouts helps people build muscle and recover better during an eight-week weight training program.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
SponsorSan Diego State University (other)
Locations1 site (San Diego, California)
Trial IDNCT06363409 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to evaluate the impact of consuming almonds or cereal bars after exercise on muscle gain and strength during an eight-week weight training program. Participants will consume these snacks post-exercise to assess both immediate recovery effects and long-term adaptations in muscle strength. The study will involve individuals with specific BMI criteria and limited structured exercise to ensure a controlled environment for measuring outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with a BMI between 18.5 and 30 who engage in no more than 3 hours of structured exercise per week.

Not a fit: Patients who regularly consume more than 2 servings of nuts per week or those with musculoskeletal limitations may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into effective recovery nutrition that enhances muscle strength and recovery for individuals engaging in weight training.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of snacks and exercise recovery has not been extensively tested, similar studies on nutrition and recovery have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* BMIs of 18.5-30 kg/m2
* participate in no more than 3 hours of structured exercise per week

Exclusion Criteria:

* weight training more than 30 min/week,
* smoking,
* use of medications known to impact inflammation,
* musculoskeletal limitations,
* use of supplements within 1 month of participation that are known to impact body composition, antioxidant or inflammatory status,
* regular consumption of more than 2 servings of nuts per week,
* unwillingness to refrain from recovery treatments during the study such as hydrotherapy, massage, stretching, compression garments, anti-inflammatory medications and topical applications.

Where this trial is running

San Diego, California

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Muscle Strength

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.