Twenty resistance trained males aged 21.3 ± 1.9 years with an average squat, bench press, and deadlift of 1.7± 0.2, 1.38 ± 1.9 and 2.07 ± 2.7 times their bodyweight were recruited for the study. Two weeks prior to and throughout the study subjects were placed on a diet consisting of 25 % protein, 50 % carbohydrates, and 25 % fat by a registered dietician who specialized in sport (RD, LDN, CISSN). All subjects participated in a high volume resistance training session consisting of 3 sets of full squats, bench press, deadlifts, pull-ups, bent over rows, shoulder press, barbell curls and triceps extensions. Prior to the exercise session subjects were randomly assigned to receive either a 3 g per day of HMB-FA (Combined with Food-grade orange flavors and sweeteners) or a placebo (Food-grade orange flavors and sweeteners) divided equally into servings given 30 minutes prior to exercise and with two separate meals on day 1. They were then instructed to consume the same amount of HMB-FA or placebo divided into breakfast, lunch and dinner on day two. Immediately prior to the exercise session and 48 hours post exercise, serum creatine kinase (CK), testosterone, cortisol, and perceived recovery scale (PRS) measurements were taken. Perceived Recovery Status consists of values between 0-10, with 0-2 being very poorly recovered with anticipated declines in performance, 4-6 being low to moderately recovered with expected similar performance, and 8-10 representing high perceived recovery with expected increases in performance. A 2 X 2 repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess any main effects. If any main effects were found LSD post hoc tests were incorporated to determine where those differences were located.
