Effect of Whey protein supplementation on GH-1 and IGF-1 in taekwondo athletes

Introduction: Improving athletic performance has been one of the issues that athletes have long faced. Hundreds of sports supplements for athletes have been introduced to the market in recent years. The overall aim of the present study was to investigate the interactive effect of whey supplementation and resistance training on growth hormone and IGF-1 levels in taekwondo athletes. Material & Methods: The method of the present study was a quasi-experimental and clinical trial. 24 taekwondo athletes were selected with an average age of 26.4±5.3 years, weight 73.34±11.6 kg, and BMI 21.81±5.4 kg/m2, and volunteers were randomly assigned into two groups: exercise + whey supplementation (group 1) and exercise (group 2). Before performing the exercise and supplementation program (50g daily in group 1), GH-1 and IGF-1, and physical fitness were measured, and after performing the exercise, testing was performed again for all variables. Data analysis using tests of Kolmogorov-Smirnov and t-test, conducted through SPSS-20 software (p≤0.05). Results: the amount of GH and IGF1 increased in two groups compared with before training. Statistical analysis using the results indicated that after eight weeks of a combination exercise program and supplementation, strength, endurance, and agility changed significantly in both groups(p<0.05), with no significant changes in BMI and velocity(p>0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that whey supplementation doesn’t increase GH-1, IGF-1, and physical fitness of taekwondo athletes.