Chocolate Milk Improves Post-Exercise recovery in Tennis Players

Background: Chocolate milk (CM) may have ergogenic effects as a short-term recovery aid, the aim of this study was to test CM’s efficacy as a recovery aid. Methods: Eight male tennis players (Mean ± SD: age, 19.2±1.0 years; mass, 72.0±10.1Kg; VO2Max, 47.6±3.7ml.kg‑1 .min-1) participated in a randomised cross-over design, separated by seven days. Participants completed performance tests including repeated sprints, a tennis skills test and exercise to exhaustion. After which, 400ml of CM or water was consumed and blood glucose levels were measured post-drink consumption. A further 400ml of CM or water was consumed 2 hours post exercise cessation. Following a 24-hour recovery period, participants repeated the performance tests following an identical protocol. Physiological and psychophysiological measures of response were collected during the protocol such as, blood glucose, lactate, pulse rate and ratings of perceived exertion. Results: After 24-hour recovery no significant differences were observed in the consecutive bout for repeated sprints and tennis skills between the water and CM condition. There was a significant difference in time to exhaustion between water (466±201 seconds) and CM (660±125 seconds) in the consecutive bout (p=.002). Despite working for longer in the CM condition there was no significant change in physiological or psychophysiological response (blood glucose, lactate, RPE and HR). Blood glucose levels were significantly elevated post CM consumption (p≤0.001) and a three-day muscle soreness diary reported no significant difference in DOMS (p=0.065). Conclusion: This indicated CM had ergogenic effects upon tennis performance over a consecutive day, which is potentially beneficial in a tournament setting