Exercise and Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)Requirements in Older Men

University of Western Ontario, Canada

Status: Suspended

Conditions: Sarcopenia

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: Branched chain amino acid; Behavioral: Strength training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01931722

002

Details and patient eligibility

About

Likely, branched chain amino acid (BCAA) requirements are increased in older strength-trained (ST) individuals. If so, supplementation in this group will maximize muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and minimize loss of muscle with age (sarcopenia).

Full description

We hypothesize that the dietary requirement for the branched chain amino acids (BCAA) in an older strength-trained (ST) population will be greater than the current recommendation (RDA). If so, a greater intake of BCAA together with ST is necessary if one aims to maximize muscle protein synthesis (MPS). Currently, the BCAA requirement in the ST older population (55-65 y) is unknown. This is critical information especially given the value of ST for overall health.

Enrollment: 6 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 55 to 65 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Recreationally active (~2-3 h/wk of physical activity) healthy older men (55-65 y)
• A minimum of 4 month weight training experience

Exclusion criteria

• Have symptoms or take medication for respiratory disease
• Have symptoms or take medication for cardiovascular disease
• Have symptoms or take medication for metabolic disease
• Have symptoms or take mediation for neuromuscular disease
• Use heart rate or blood pressure medications
• Use any medications with side effects of dizziness, lack of motor control, or slowed reaction time
• Have an excessive alcohol intake (more than 2 drinks per day)
• Have any cardiovascular or neuromuscular limitations to exercise
• Are allergic to milk or milk products
• Use anabolic steroids or performance enhancing drugs

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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6 participants in 2 patient groups

Branched chain amino acid

Active Comparator group

Description:

Branched chain amino acid as food supplement

Treatment:

Behavioral: Strength training

Dietary Supplement: Branched chain amino acid

Weight training

Active Comparator group

Description:

Strength training will include a split-training program using all major muscle groups of the body on a three day "on", one day "off" protocol. Muscle areas targeted on each training day will be as follows: Day1: chest, shoulder, triceps; Day2: back, biceps; Day3: legs and calfs; Day4: will be a rest day. On Day5: this cycle will begin again. A combination of free weights and machines will be used for each training day. Progressive overload protocol will be applied where the load used by every participant will be adjusted bi-weekly based on their 70% of 1RM (repetition maximum). Instruction will be provided for all exercises and professional trainers will oversee all training sessions.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Strength training

Dietary Supplement: Branched chain amino acid