Effect of Different Plant-Based Milks on Force Production, Speed, and Flexibility After Induced Muscle Fatigue

Wong, Phoebe Lee Shuang (2026) Effect of Different Plant-Based Milks on Force Production, Speed, and Flexibility After Induced Muscle Fatigue. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

Plant-based milk is becoming a more popular alternative beverage of dairy milk, especially in the lactose intolerant population. As a sports drink and recovery beverage, dairy milk is a popular choice and extensively researched. On the other hand, the effect of plant-based milk as a recovery drink has yet to be investigated. This experimental study examined the effects of soy and oat milk consumption on recovery of force production, speed and flexibility in collegiate athletes. Eighteen active adults aged 18-25 years old were randomly assigned to soy milk group (SG) or oat milk group (OG). The participants consumed 1L of their assigned milk (500mL immediately post-exercise and 500mL within the next two hours) following a lower-limb fatigue protocol that involved repeated sprints and plyometric jumps. The recovery effects were assessed using the countermovement jump (CMJ), 20m Sprint, and Sit-and-Reach tests at baseline, 24h, 48h and 72h post-exercise. Obtained data were analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA. The results showed that there were significant effects of time for CMJ (p= .022, η²p= .205) and flexibility (p= .001, η²p= .571), but not for sprint performance (p= .132). No significant group or time*group interactions were found across all measures, indicating similar recovery patterns between soy and oat milk. Pairwise comparisons revealed declines in CMJ and flexibility at 24-48h post-exercise, with partial recovery by 72h. These findings suggest that both soy and oat milk provide comparable short-term recovery benefits following a muscle-fatiguing exercise, suggesting that both alternatives are sound choices for athletes looking into plant-based recovery beverages.