Muscle adaptation in response to a high-intensity interval training in obese older adults: effect of daily protein intake distribution

Abstract

Background Aging is associated with declines in muscle mass, strength and quality, leading to physical impairments. An even protein distribution in daily meals has recently been proposed along with adequate total protein intake as important modulators of muscle mass. In addition, due to its short duration, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been highlighted as a promising intervention to prevent physical deterioration. However, the interaction between daily protein intake distribution and HIIT intervention in elderlies remain unknown. Objective To investigate muscle adaptation following HIIT in older adults according to daily protein intake distribution. Methods Thirty sedentary obese subjects who completed a 12-week elliptical HIIT program were matched [criteria: age (± 2 years), sex, BMI (± 2 kg/m 2 )] and divided a posteriori into 2 groups according to the amount of protein ingested at each meal: < 20 g in at least one meal (P20−, n = 15, 66.8 ± 3.7 years) and ≥ 20 g in each meal (P20+, n = 15, 68.1 ± 4.1 years). Body composition, functional capacity, muscle strength, muscle power, physical activity level, and nutritional intakes were measured pre-and post-intervention. A two way repeated ANOVA was used to determine the effect of the intervention (HIIT) and protein distribution (P20− vs P20+, p < 0.05). Results No difference was observed at baseline between groups. Following the HIIT intervention, we observed a significant decrease in waist and hip circumferences and improvements in functional capacities in both P20− and P20 + group (p < 0.05). However, no protein distribution effect was observed. Conclusion A 12-week HIIT program is achievable and efficient to improve functional capacities as well as body composition in obese older adults. However, consuming at least 20 g of proteins in every meal does not further enhance muscle performance in response to a 12-week HIIT intervention.

Dietary weight-loss interventions for the management of obesity in older adults

“…Different dietary compositions to support WL are being tested, with research currently having focussed mainly on protein intake [56]. Buckinx et al [57] investigated the potential influence that different levels of protein intake may have on the effects of a 12-week high-intensity interval exercise training (HIIT) in 30 sedentary older (≥ 60 years) adults with obesity (see Tables 1 and 2 for study details). Participants were a posteriori divided into two groups (matched for age, sex and BMI) depending on the ingested amount of protein (< 20 g in one meal or ≥ 20 g in each meal).…”

Nutritional Supplements to Support Resistance Exercise in Countering the Sarcopenia of Aging

“…Conversely, while some researchers may advocate for recommendations based on a per-meal protein dose, others report conflicting findings. Buckinx and colleagues recently had older men and women complete a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program while consuming either 20 g (20+ group) protein at every meal or <20 g protein in at least one meal per day [ 86 ]. The 12-week HIIT program improved functional capacity and body composition, but consuming ~20 g protein per meal did not further enhance muscle-specific adaptations.…”

Effects of Three Different Exercise Strategies for Optimizing Aerobic Capacity and Skeletal Muscle Performance in Older Adults: A Pilot Study

“…Due to the relatively recent interest in HIIT for older adults there are few studies reporting effects on physical function measures, though those that do appear to indicate beneficial effects ( 13 – 15 ). This proof-of-concept pilot study demonstrates that HIIT had a large effect on 6MW distance and a moderate effect on grip strength and chair rise time, indicating that HIIT can improve physical functional capacity in older adults without overt physical function limitations.…”