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

Not Applicable

Suspended

• Conditions: Sarcopenia
• Interventions: Dietary Supplement: Branched chain amino acid; Behavioral: Strength training

• Registration Number: NCT01931722
• Lead Sponsor: University of Western Ontario, Canada

Brief Summary

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).

Detailed Description

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 Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2013-08-26
• Study First Submitted QC: 2013-08-26
• Study First Posted: 2013-08-29
• Status Verified: 2016-01
• Study Start: 2016-01
• Last Update Submitted: 2016-01-09
• Last Update Posted: 2016-01-12
• Primary Completion: 2016-12
• Study Completion: 2016-12

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: SUSPENDED
• Sex: Male
• Target Recruitment: 6

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Weight training	Branched chain amino acid	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 1RM (repetition maximum). Instruction will be provided for all exercises and professional trainers will oversee all training sessions.
Branched chain amino acid	Branched chain amino acid	Branched chain amino acid as food supplement
Weight training	Strength training	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 1RM (repetition maximum). Instruction will be provided for all exercises and professional trainers will oversee all training sessions.
Branched chain amino acid	Strength training	Branched chain amino acid as food supplement

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Required Branched chain amino acid of older strength trained men	12 months	Branched chain amino acid requirement will be measured in 55-65 years old strength trained men using indicator amino acid oxidation method

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Muscle size	12 months	cross-sectional measure of muscle size will be measured in all participants using standard procedures of magenetic resonance imaging

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Exercise Nutrition Research Laboratory; 🇨🇦 London, Ontario, Canada