Short-term Effects of Broccoli-derived Glucoraphanin on Recovery From Eccentric Muscle Damage

SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF BROCCOLI-DERIVED GLUCORAPHANIN ON RECOVERY FROM ECCENTRIC MUSCLE DAMAGE: A DOUBLE-BLIND RANDOMIZED CROSSOVER STUDY

Eccentric exercise induces muscle damage and delay functional recovery. Broccoli-derived glucoraphanin (a sulforaphane precursor that activates Nrf2 defenses) may aid repair; however, its short-term effects in humans remains unknown. This study aims to evaluate whether short-term supplementation with broccoli-derived glucoraphanin will improve recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, fifteen participants will consume either high-glucoraphanin broccoli powder (320 μg) or placebo for one week, followed by elbow flexor eccentric exercise and continued supplementation. Strength, soreness, creatine kinase (CK), range of motion (ROM), arm girths, and ultrasound-assessed muscle and tendon morphology will be measured at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and at 48 and 96 hours post-exercise.

Inclusion Criteria:

• no resistance training experience in the past 6 months, no arm injuries in the past 2 years, no illnesses in the month prior to data collection, and no known allergies to broccoli or other cruciferous vegetables.

Exclusion Criteria:

• incomplete participation.