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

N/ASuspendedNCT01931722

University of Western Ontario, Canada6 enrolled

Overview

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).

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.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Sarcopenia

Interventions

Branched chain amino acidDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

seven graded intakes of a BCAA (branched chain amino acid) mixture from 50 to 350 mg.kg-1.d-1 will be used to measure BCAA requirement

Strength trainingBEHAVIORAL

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 1 repetition maximum (maximum weight that can be lifted only one time). Instruction will be provided for all exercises and professional trainers will oversee all training sessions.

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 55 YearsMax age: 65 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

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

Locations (1)

Exercise Nutrition Research Laboratory

London, Ontario, Canada

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Required Branched chain amino acid of older strength trained men

Branched chain amino acid requirement will be measured in 55-65 years old strength trained men using indicator amino acid oxidation method

Time frame: 12 months

Secondary Outcomes

Muscle size

cross-sectional measure of muscle size will be measured in all participants using standard procedures of magenetic resonance imaging

Time frame: 12 months

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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