Multidisciplinary Research Into the Effects of Resistance Exercise and Whey Protein Supplementation in Healthy Older Men

Coventry University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Muscle Atrophy; Sarcopenia

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: Control; Other: Resistance Exercise; Dietary Supplement: Whey Protein

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03299972

P59723

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel groups trial is to investigate the effects of 12 weeks resistance exercise and whey protein supplementation on energy metabolism, markers of appetite, inflammation and hormonal response and body composition and strength and functional performance.

Generally healthy, retired men aged 60-80 years will be recruited (n = 52 in total, n = 13 per group). Participants will be randomised to either: a) control group, b) whey protein supplement group, c) resistance exercise + control group or d) resistance exercise + whey protein supplementation group.

Full description

With demographics indicating that the world's population aged >60 years will increase from 600 million reported in 2000, to >2 billion by 2050, there is an increasing interest in health issues related to ageing. One area of particular interest is sarcopenia, defined as the progressive loss of muscle mass, strength and physical function as a consequence of ageing. Sarcopenia has been associated with an increase in cardiovascular disease, poor metabolic and cognitive function, reduced quality of life and early mortality. Studies have reported beneficial effects of both resistance exercise and increasing protein intake independently and in combination on markers of sarcopenia (mostly increases in muscle mass, strength and physical function). However, little is known about the effects of combined intervention on energy metabolism, appetite and cognitive and endocrine function. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel groups trial will investigate these, alongside assessing the effects of combined intervention on total lean tissue mass, muscular strength and functional performance.

Enrollment: 39 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 60 to 80 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Retired Men aged 60-80 years
• Body Mass Index 18.5-30 kg/m2
• Not participated in resistance exercise within the last 6 months
• Free from musculoskeletal injury

Exclusion criteria

• Retired Men aged <60 or >80 years
• Current smokers, or ex-smokers ceasing <6 months ago
• Body Mass Index <18.5 and >30 kg/m2
• Currently participating in resistance exercise regularly (within last 6 months)
• Not weight stable and/or looking to start a weight loss programme
• Individuals participating in another research project (within the last 6 months) involving dietary and/or exercise intervention
• Existing or past medical history of vascular disease, cancer, diabetes, neurological, kidney, pulmonary, digestive (Coeliac disease), thyroidal disease, osteoporosis or history of falls
• Currently taking protein/amino acid supplements regularly
• Currently prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), diabetic medication, beta-blockers, statins
• Uncontrolled blood pressure (Blood pressure >160/100 mmHg)
• Self-reported lactose intolerant or allergic to wheat or potatoes
• Individuals with a pacemaker
• Neuromuscular disorders or injuries

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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39 participants in 4 patient groups, including a placebo group

Control

Placebo Comparator group

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Control

Whey Protein

Experimental group

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Whey Protein

Resistance Exercise + Control

Experimental group

Treatment:

Other: Resistance Exercise

Dietary Supplement: Control

Resistance Exercise + Whey Protein

Experimental group

Treatment:

Other: Resistance Exercise

Dietary Supplement: Whey Protein