RESUMO
Objective This study was to investigate the effects of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation on the metabolism of glucose and gluconeogenesis. Methods 20 rowers were randomly assigned to supplemental group and control group. During 4 weeks of training, all athletes followed the same training program. After 4 weeks, tests were done on a rowing ergometer, which included an incremental test for 4 mmol/L lactate anaerobic threshold and 2km, 5km maximum intensity exercise. Blood samples were taken prior to, immediately post and 30min post exercise. Results The results showed that serum glucose, alanine values had no significant difference between BCAA group and control group in anaerobic threshold test. In 2km and 5km rowing ergometer exercise, serum glucose values in BCAA group were significant decreased immediately post exercise, but the values in control group were significant decreased both immediately post exercise and 30min post exercise. Serum alanine values in BCAA group were significant increased both immediately post exercise and 30min post exercise, but the values in control group were significant decreased immediately post exercise. Lactate concentrations increased in BCAA supplementation group and were significantly lower (P