Fig. 1

Experimental protocol. Ingestion groups: HMB (3 g/day) and whey protein (36.6 g/day) group, HMB (3 g/day) group, and whey protein (36.6 g/day) group. Supplements were taken for 7 days before and 4 days after eccentric exercise (supplementation for 12 days). Blood was analyzed before and at 1, 2, 3, and 5 days post-exercise. CK: creatine kinase, LDH: lactate dehydrogenase, Isometric strength: maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque of elbow in flexed position (90°), Muscle soreness: 100-mm visual analogue scale for biceps brachii