To exclude the influence of components other than α-keto acids, the intake eFT508 of energy and minerals was carefully matched in the placebo preparation. There were

no side effects or difficulties in compliance, suggesting that the supplementation was safe. Despite the hard training, over-CH5424802 in vitro training did not occur because there were no clinical complaints and no decrease in the maximum performance and maximum blood lactate concentration (10.7 ± 2.4 mM). The training, however, improved VO2max (average 14%, P<0.01) in all three groups (Table 2). This result is in accord with those of other studies [38]. The training effect on VO2max was comparable among the three groups, although the training volume was quite different at the second half of the training phase. This finding may be explained by the fact that the oxygen delivery determined principally by the cardiorespiratory system is the primary limiting factor for VO2max[39].

The maximum power output did not change in the control group after the training phase and recovery (NS). There was a similar increase in maximum power output in both study groups after the training and BIRB 796 nmr more so after recovery, indicating a “super-compensation” effect from training (Table 2). These results are in good accord with those of previous studies [40], and suggest a significant training effect in both groups supplemented with KAS. Similarly, the muscle function, both maximum torque on isometric measurement and maximum performance on isokinetic measurement, increased significantly after recovery in both groups supplemented with KAS. The maximum muscle torque was higher

in the AKG group than in the BCKA group (Figure 3), mainly due to the different baseline levels but not changes in training (NS). In the present study, the endurance capacity (PLAT in Table 2) was improved in all three groups with no significant difference among the groups, which could be attributed to the concurrent training program executed with combined training components [41]. It is also interesting to observe the relative changes in VO2max and Pmax.. There was a similar increase Ureohydrolase in VO2max in all three groups, but the Pmax was much higher in the two groups with KAS than in the control group, suggesting that there was either a higher work efficiency or a higher quotient of anaerobic energy metabolism associated with KAS. Because the maximum blood lactate concentration was comparable among the groups (data not shown), the higher relation of Pmax to VO2max for both groups with KAS can be considered as reflecting improved work efficiency. VO2max was determined on a cycle-ergometer instead of using a treadmill test since this method was established in our laboratory and a rapid linear increment of the workload was better to achieve. Determination of VO2max on a cycle-ergometer is well established and widespread in the routine practice of sports medicine.