Advisor(s)

William J. (William Jay) Gillespie

Contributor(s)

Carmen C. Sceppa

Date of Award

2008

Date Accepted

4-2008

Degree Grantor

Northeastern University

Degree Level

M.S.

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department or Academic Unit

Bouvé College of Health Sciences. School of Health Professions.

Keywords

Exercise physiology, Health sciences, Protein, Strength training

Subject Categories

Older men--Health risk assessment

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Background: Aging adults experience significant declines in muscle mass and function. These can be reversed with strength training (ST). However, the combined effect of ST with the DRI for protein intake (0.8 g/kg/d) has not been determined. Objective: To examine the combined effects of ST and protein DRI in older men. Design: Seven healthy men (69-78y) were admitted to the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, MA for 13 ½ weeks. After 5 ½ weeks of diet equilibration at the DRI level, protein intake was maintained and subjects were randomized to high-intensity ST+DRI 3x/wk (n=3) or the DRI only group (n=4) for 8 ½ weeks of intervention. Physical function, muscle strength, body composition, leucine turnover and resting energy expenditure were measured at different phases of the intervention. Results: Isokinetic knee flexion strength (240º/s) increased by 23% with ST+DRI and did not change in the DRI only group (p=0.03, time-by-group interaction). Leucine balance was negatively correlated with leucine oxidation (r=1.0, p<0.001) and remained negative with ST as compared to the DRI only group (p=0.10). No significant findings were observed for all other measures. Conclusions: These data suggest that the DRI for protein may not be adequate to maintain protein balance or muscle strength when combine with high-intensity strength training. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Rights Holder

Heather Ann Milton


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