The Effects of Edible Bird's Nest on Recovery after Muscle Damage

Pau, Chang Soon (2023) The Effects of Edible Bird's Nest on Recovery after Muscle Damage. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

Text Pau Chang Soon _Full Text.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (1MB)

Abstract

Edible Bird’s Nest (EBN) is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and a popular delicacy that is consumed in many parts of Asia for its nutritional and medicinal values. In recent years, other forms of TCM have been researched in sports especially in sports injuries, ergogenic aids, and anti-fatigue solutions. However, EBN is still yet to be looked into its effects as a sports supplement on sports recovery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Edible Bird’s Nest on Muscle Recovery after Muscle Damage. A total of 20 TARUMT resistance trained males with age 21.2 ± 1.1; weight 68.02 ± 6.7 kg; height 171.7 ± 3.4; years of resistance training 3.2 ± 1.3 years for the EBN group and age 21.6 ± 1.2; weight 64.3 ± 7.3 kg; height 168.4 ± 5.5 cm; years of resistance training 3.5 ± 1.2 years for the PLA group were recruited. Subjects were divided into EBN group that ingested Hydrolysate Edible Bird’s Nest (n = 10) and PLA group that ingested a Placebo (n =10) made out of glucose. This study is a true experimental study using a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study with parallel design. Five experimental trials with the first trial being a muscle damage protocol consisting of 7 sets of 20 Barbell Back Squats at 50% 1RM with 2 seconds concentric, 1 second hold and 4 seconds eccentric (7 seconds total in one rep). 5 visiting experimental trials following muscle damage were conducted to examine the recovery rate with 1RM squat strength, Muscle swelling, Flexibility and Perceived Muscle Soreness. Participants were supplemented with EBN or Placebo 30 minutes after each experimental trial. Results indicated that there were no significant differences in the Thigh Circumference, Sit and Reach and Visual Analog Scale (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference in the 1RM Squat in the PLA group at 0-48 hrs (p = 0.004) and 48-96 hrs (p = 0.012), suggesting a slower recovery in squat strength. Hence, it concluded that Edible Bird’s Nest had little effect on muscle recovery after muscle damage while it may have a slight effect in helping to regain squat strength for resistance trained individuals.