The impact of timed protein supplementation to maximize the skeletal muscle adaptive response to resistance type exercise training in healthy young men

In elite athletes resistance type exercise training has been proven to be one
of the most effective intervention strategies to increase both muscle mass and
muscle strength. Augmenting muscle strength is an important component to
improve sports performance. Dietary protein/amino acids are considered to be
the building blocks of skeletal muscle. Hence, provision of protein and/or
amino acids is required for resistance exercise to be effective (i.e. resulting
in net protein accretion). Therefore, it seems essential to optimize dietary
protein intake during an exercise training period to increase skeletal muscle
mass and strength. During night time, when sleeping, the body will (for a large
extent) recover from the physical activities performed during the day. Little
data exists on whether post-exercise overnight night recovery can be improved
by ingesting dietary proteins before going to sleep at night. For this reason,
we would like to perform a study in which we investigate the effects of
combined resistance type exercise training and protein supplementation before
going to sleep at night in healthy young men. Subject will engage in a 12 wk
resistance type exercise program, training 3 time p/wk, ingesting either a
protein or placebo drink. The drinks will be ingested right before going to
sleep on a daily basis, on training and non-training days. Before, during, and
after 12 weeks, a number of tests will be performed to assess the effect of the
resistance type training program.

The primary objective of this study is to examine the beneficial effects of
nutritional support on the resistance type exercise training-induced changes in
body composition and muscle fiber characteristics in healthy young men.

This study will be a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled intervention
trial. The total study consists of a screening and an experimental part in
which we will focus on the effects of an exercise intervention program with
nutritional support on skeletal muscle mass and function in healthy young men.
We will assess the effects of a 12 wks resistance type exercise training
program (3x/wk) with or without additional protein supplementation (provided
daily before sleep) on skeletal muscle mass, quality and function on whole
body-, muscle- and myocellular level.

The intervention period will consist of a 12 week resistance type exercise
training program.

The training will be performed 3 times per week (Monday, Wednesday en Friday).
Every training will last for approximately 45 minutes and will be performed in
the evening (between 20.00 and 22.00 hours). Every training will start with a
warm-up on a cycle ergometer. Next, subjects will perform resistance type
exercises for all major muscle groups in the body, focus will be given the leg
exercises targeting the upper leg muscle groups. All participants are allocated
to one of two groups, in which they will consume either a protein or placebo
drink before going to sleep at night. The drinks will be ingested on a daily
basis on both training and non-training days.

At the site of the muscle biopsy and/or blood draw a hematoma could occur. The
incision made for obtaining the muscle biopsy (performed by an experienced
physician) will heal completely. The exercise sessions could lead to mild
muscle soreness in the first few days after the start of the training program.
The level of radiation emitted during a DXA is merely a fraction of that
emitted during a regular chest X-ray. The level of radiation emitted during a
CT scan is also minimal since only single-slice scans will be taken at the
level of mid-thigh.