Effect of fat-free skim chocolate milk on power, speed, agility, and body composition in female softball players

Abstract

This exploratory research examined the potential effect of fat-free chocolate milk on body composition, power, speed, and agility among trained female collegiate athletes (n = 16) in August/November 2012. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups; fat-free chocolate milk (CM; n=8) or carbohydrate (CHO; n=8). Each group received 16oz of the treatment matched for calories and carbohydrate content. The treatment was distributed to participants on three days/week for 12-weeks. Body composition (DEXA; Hologic) and performance tests were assessed at baseline and post-test. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures was used to detect differences in outcome measures. No significant differences in body composition between the two groups were found at baseline and post-test. There were no differences in group-time interaction for any of the performance measures. However, main effect for time was detected for the vertical jump (p=.030), 20-yard dash (p = .028), and the pro-agility test (p = .002). In contrast to some short-term studies, body composition or performance benefits associated with CM were not identified in this study. Utilization of CM for recovery in female collegiate athletes should be investigated further with a particular focus on practicality and feasibility of CM consumption related to training.