Review protocol for leaf extracts on EIMD

Background Strenuous activities can cause exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), particularly those that involve unfamiliar exercises. The typical signs and symptoms of EIMD include increased intra-muscular proteins, delayed onset muscle soreness and impaired muscular contractility. Thus, these signs and symptoms may compromise the quality of training and induce sub-optimal training adaptations. More recently, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents of leaf extracts, such as tea leaves and herbs, has been reported to minimise the signs and symptoms of EIMD. However, several studies have also reported equivocal findings, possibly due to variation in study designs. A systematic exploration of the literature that addresses these methodological limitations may provide the overall benefit of ingesting leaf extracts for recovery, although a thorough investigation has yet to be determined. Thus, the purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis will collate findings from various studies that have reported on the effects of BCAA supplementation on markers of EIMD.