Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2014

DOI

10.1186/1550-2783-11-23

Publication Title

Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition

Volume

11

Issue

1

Pages

1-8

Abstract

Background: StemSport (SS; StemTech International, Inc. San Clemente, CA) contains a proprietary blend of the botanical Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and several herbal antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances. SS has been purported to accelerate tissue repair and restore muscle function following resistance exercise. Here, we examine the effects of SS supplementation on strength adaptations resulting from a 12-week resistance training program in healthy young adults.

Methods: Twenty-four young adults (16 males, 8 females, mean age = 20.5 ± 1.9 years, mass = 70.9 ± 11.9 kg, stature = 176.6 ± 9.9 cm) completed the twelve week training program. The study design was a double-blind, placebo controlled parallel group trial. Subjects either received placebo or StemSport supplement (SS; mg/day) during the training. 1-RM bench press, 1-RM leg press, vertical jump height, balance (star excursion and center of mass excursion), isokinetic strength (elbow and knee flexion/extension) and perception of recovery were measured at baseline and following the 12-week training intervention.

Results: Resistance training increased 1-RM strength (p < 0.008), vertical jump height (p < 0.03), and isokinetic strength (p < 0.05) in both SS and placebo groups. No significant group-by-time interactions were observed (all p-values >0.10).

Conclusions: These data suggest that compared to placebo, the SS herbal/botanical supplement did not enhance training induced adaptations to strength, balance, and muscle function above strength training alone.

Original Publication Citation

Furlong, J., Rynders, C. A., Sutherlin, M., Patrie, J., Katch, F. I., Hertel, J., & Weltman, A. (2014). Effect of an herbal/botanical supplement on strength, balance, and muscle function following 12-weeks of resistance training: A placebo controlled study. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 11(1), 1-8. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-11-23

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