Effects of 4 weeks of high-intensity interval training and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyric free acid supplementation on the onset of neuromuscular fatigue

This study investigated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyric free acid (HMB) supplementation on physical working capacity at the onset of neuromuscular fatigue threshold (PWC FT). Thirty-seven participants (22 men, 15 women; 22.8 ± 3.4 years) completed an incremental cycle ergometer test (graded exercise test [GXT]); electromyographic amplitude from the right vastus lateralis was recorded. Assessments occurred preceding (PRE) and after 4 weeks of supplementation (POST). Participants were randomly assigned to control (C, n 9), placebo (P, n 14), or supplementation (S, n 14) groups. Both P and S completed 12 HIIT sessions, whereas C maintained normal diet and activity patterns. The PWC FT (W) was determined using the maximal perpendicular distance (D MAX) method. Electromyographic amplitude (Vrms) over time was used to generate a cubic regression. Onset of fatigue (T F) was the x-value of the point on the regression that was at D MAX from a line between the first and last data points. The PWC FT was estimated using T F and GXT power-output increments. The 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (group × time) resulted in a significant interaction for PWC FT (F 6.69, p 0.004). Post hoc analysis with 1-way ANOVA resulted in no difference in PWC FT among groups at PRE (F 0.87, p 0.43); however, a difference in PWC FT was shown for POST (F 5.46, p 0.009). Post hoc analysis among POST values revealed significant differences between S and both P (p 0.034) and C (p 0.003). No differences (p 0.226) were noted between P and C. Paired samples t-tests detected significant changes after HIIT for S (p < 0.001) and P (p 0.016), but no change in C (p 0.473). High-intensity interval training increased PWC FT, but HMB with HIIT was more effective than HIIT alone. Furthermore, it seems that adding HMB supplementation with HIIT in untrained men and women may further improve endurance performance measures.