Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of different carbohydrate-protein recovery beverages following heavy endurance exercise. Methods: Twelve well-trained male cyclists completed a glycogen-depleting trial followed by a 4 hour recovery period before completing a simulated 20-km time trial. During the recovery period, subjects consumed one of three isocaloric beverages [high-carbohydrate/low-protein (HCLP); low-carbohydrate/high-protein (LCHP); carbohydrate (CHO)] at 0h and 2h, as well as immediately following the 20-km time trial. Creatine kinase (CK), muscle soreness, isometric peak torque (MVC), and mental/physical fatigue/energy ratings were measured pre- and post trial. Glucose and lactate were measured during the glycogen depleting phase and subsequent exercise. Results: Subsequent exercise performance was not significantly different between treatments (LCHP 50.3±2.7 min; CHO 48.5±1.5 min; HCLP 48.8±2.1 min). No significant treatment*time interactions were observed for isometric peak torque (MVC), muscle soreness, or mental/physical energy/fatigue ratings. Creatine kinase levels pre- (LCHP 153.5±68.1; CHO 132.6±39.9; HCLP 137.0±41.1) and post exercise (LCHP 172.4±53.1; CHO 150.8±47.4; HCLP 146.6±27.4) were not significantly different between treatments. Conclusion: Recovery beverages containing equal caloric content and differing proportions of carbohydrate/protein provided similar effects on muscle recovery and subsequent exercise performance in well-trained cyclists
