gms | German Medical Science

Objective: Chocolate milk has recently been reported in a few studies as good post event beverage for muscle recovery in endurance type events. To date no studies have demonstrated similar results with anaerobic sporting activity. The purpose of this study is to identify the preference and knowledge of parents of youth ice hockey players as it relates to ideal post-game recovery beverages.

Material/Methods: A survey instrument was developed and sent via email through a third party to all families of youth ice hockey players in Tampa, Florida, USA. Emails sent to an address that included more than one parent were instructed to have each of the parents complete the survey independently. Completed survey responses were emailed back to the same third party, and then forwarded to the investigators of this study de-identified.

Results: Respondents reported post-game drinks as being important for muscle recovery and development, re-hydration, replenishment of vitamins and minerals, increased energy and alertness, and a good mix of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Most respondents stated that the most effective drink is one that serves to re-hydrate the body. Water, milk, and flavored milk were identified as the most popular flavors of choice. Factors most reported when determining the post-event beverage included cost, availability, convenience, taste, and quality.

Conclusion: Studies performed in controlled laboratory environments testing muscle recovery patterns with aerobic activity following post-activity beverages have recently demonstrated that chocolate milk has positive benefits. These benefits have included a greater time to exhaustion and an increased amount of total work between two exercise bouts. Furthermore, perceived muscle soreness after exercise has been reported to decrease with the use of flavonol-rich cocoa. Immediate consumption post-exercise has been shown to provide the greatest benefit for subsequent exercise bouts. Empirically, parents and coaches of youth ice hockey players have regularly promoted the use of chocolate milk as a post-game ergogenic aid. This parental promotion was of curiosity to the authors since no studies have demonstrated such benefits with aerobic-based sports similar to that found with anaerobic activity. Furthermore, no studies have reported the effects of chocolate milk specifically with ice hockey players. Despite the lack of evidence, parents of youth ice hockey players believe firmly that chocolate milk is the best post-event recovery beverage. Until future research demonstrate the ergogenic benefits of chocolate milk associated with recovery for anaerobic activity, and specifically ice hockey, parent’s perception and commercial marketing will influence the beliefs .