The effects of resistance type exercise training and protein supplementation on skeletal muscle mass, strength, and muscle characteristics in healthy elderly men and women

Aging is associated with several age related changes. One of these changes that
happens during aging is the loss of muscle mass. This loss can lead to a
decrease in performace, decreased ability to live independently, increased risk
for type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis. The
decrease in portein synthesis in elderly people is a main cause for the
decrease in muscle mass and muscle function in elderly people.
The most effective way to stimulate and increase muscle protein synthesis is
exercise, especially resistance exercise.
The increase in protein synthesis after resistance training will eventually
lead to an increase in muscle mass and muscle strength. In this way the
increase in protein synthesis will prevent to some extent the muscle loss
observed in the elderly.
For resistance training to effectively stimulate muscle protein synthesis it is
necessary that there is enough protein available in the body to increase muscle
mass and muscle strength. This is why the intake of proteins is very important.
It is not clear yet whether there are extra proteins necessary and if this can
lead to a faster growth of muscle mass and muscle strength. In the present
study we want to examine the effects of resistance type exercise training
combined with nutritional support on body composition and muscle
characteristics in healthy elderly men and women.

The main objective of this study is to examine the effects of resistance type
exercise training combined with nutritional support on body composition and
muscle characteristics in healthy elderly men and women.

In this study we compare 2 groups during 24 weeks. During these 24 weeks the
subjects follow a resistance training program, 3 days a week (monday, wednesday
and friday). During these 24 weeks the subjects consume a beverage on a daily
basis. One group receives the protein beverage and the other group receives the
placebo beverage. Muscle fiber cross-sectional area, 1RM strength, quadriceps
cross-sectional area will be compared at 0, 12 and 24 weeks time of the
intervention.

The intervention period is 24 weeks. During these 24 weeks the subjects receive
a protein supplement on a daily basis (15g protein) or a placebo bevarage. All
subjects will follow a resistance training program during these 24 weeks on
monday, wednesday and friday.

At the site of the catheter a hematoma could occur. This is the same for the
muscle biopsy. The muscle biopsy is performed by an experienced physician. The
incision made for obtaining the muscle biopsy will heal completely.
An ECG will be performed, during rest and exercise, before inclusion in the
study population, this to exclude cardiovascular problems. The level of
radiation emitted during a DXA scan is very low, so this is harmless.
The radiation from the CT scan is negligible because only one image is taken
and this on 0, 12 and 24 weeks of the intervention.
The ingested bolus of glucose is comparable with a commercial sport nutrition
drink. The ingested proteins are part of a normal diet and impose no risk. To
minimize the risk for muscle soreness and/or muscle injuries, an experienced
investigator will supervise all exercise tests and training sessions.