Effects of Whey Protein Supplementation Pre- or Post-Resistance Training on Muscle Mass, Muscular Strength, and Functional Capacity in Pre-Conditioned Older Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Aging is associated with sarcopenia and dynapenia, with both processes contributing to functional dependence and mortality in older adults. Resistance training (RT) and increased protein intake are strategies that may contribute to health improvements in older adults. Therefore, the aim was to investigate the effects of whey protein (WP) supplementation consumed either immediately pre- or post-RT on skeletal muscle mass (SMM), muscular strength, and functional capacity in pre-conditioned older women. Seventy older women participated in this investigation and were randomly assigned to one of three groups: whey protein pre-RT and placebo post-RT (WP-PLA, n = 24), placebo pre-RT and whey protein post-RT (PLA-WP, n = 23), and placebo pre- and post-RT (PLA-PLA, n = 23). Each group ingested 35 g of WP or PLA. The RT program was carried out over 12 weeks (three times per week; 3 × 8–12 repetition maximum). Body composition, muscular strength, functional capacity, and dietary intake were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) for repeated measures, with baseline scores as covariates were used for data analysis. A time vs. group interaction (p < 0.05) was observed with WP-PLA and PLA-WP presenting greater increases compared with PLA-PLA for SMM (WP-PLA = 3.4%; PLA-WP = 4.2%; PLA-PLA = 2.0%), strength (WP-PLA = 8.1%; PLA-WP = 8.3%; PLA-PLA = 7.0%), and the 10-m walk test (WP-PLA = −10.8%; PLA-WP = −11.8%; PLA-PLA = −4.3%). Whey protein supplementation was effective in promoting increases in SMM, muscular strength, and functional capacity in pre-conditioned older women, regardless of supplementation timing. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03247192.

Effects of pre‐ or post‐exercise whey protein supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes in older women

“…The present study is part of the Active Aging Project, a longitudinal cohort study designed to examine the role of RT on older women's health. This three‐arm randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled design has been previously described . Briefly, the investigation was carried out over a period of 26 weeks divided into two phases.…”

“…This three-arm randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design has been previously described. 19 Briefly, the investigation was carried out over a period of 26 weeks divided into two phases. The first phase of the study was an eight-week period (weeks 3-10), during which participants were familiarized to RT.…”

Locomotive syndrome in Japan

“…As well as exercises, nutritional interventions are proved to be important aspects. There are several studies that showed the additive effects of supplementation with protein [ 56 , 57 ], amino acids [ 58 ] to exercise intervention.…”

Acute Effect of the Timing of Resistance Exercise and Nutrient Intake on Muscle Protein Breakdown

“…While nutrient timing might be relevant to increase MPS or decrease MPB, the long-term effects are debatable. Recently, in a longitudinal study, whey protein supplementation consumed either pre-or post-resistance training similarly promoted skeletal muscle mass, muscular strength, and functional capacity in pre-conditioned older women [13]. In another longitudinal study, the timing of protein consumption had no effect on lean mass, muscular strength, or functional capacity combined with resistance training in postmenopausal women [14].…”