De effecten van 4 weken training en eiwitsupplementen op spierkracht, spiermassa en conditie in een ongetrainde 55+ populatie

Rationale and objective:

The aging process and physical inactivity are both clearly linked to low muscle mass, muscle strength and physical fitness. Long-term exercise programs in combination with protein supplementation show improvements in muscle function. However, in some circumstances such as prior surgery, time available to improve person’s muscle function and physical fitness is limited to a few weeks. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate whether an improvement in muscle strength, muscle mass and physical fitness can be achieved within 4 weeks of exercise and protein supplementation in a group of untrained men and women aged 55-75 years.


Study design:
Single group repeated measures design.


Study population:
18 untrained men and women aged 55 to 75 years who do not meet the Dutch Norm for Health-enhancing Physical Activity ('Nederlandse Norm Gezond Bewegen').


Intervention:
4 weeks of exercise and protein supplementation


Main study parameters:
Changes in quadriceps strength, quadriceps muscle mass, handgrip strength, power of the lower limb, physical fitness, habitual physical activity and daily protein intake. Parameters are assessed at baseline, 2 weeks and 4 weeks.

Short-term exercise and protein supplementation enhances muscle strength, mass and physical fitness in a group of untrained men and women aged 55-75 years.

Parameters are assessed at baseline, 2 weeks and 4 weeks.

All subjects will receive a 4 week intervention program consisting of:

1) an exercise program (combination of resistance and aerobic exercises during supervised exercise sessions, and a home-based advice)

2) protein supplementation.