Effects of Meat Protein Administration on Body Composition, Strength, Muscle Structure and Markers of Muscle Damage and Health in Athletes

This investigation involves a 8 weeks randomised, balanced, double blind parallel group between-subjects design aimed to analyse the effects of combining exercise and a post exercise nutrition strategy (hydrolysates meat protein, whey protein or a isocaloric only carbohydrate placebo) on training outcomes, markers of immunity and health after a period of regular training and feeding intervention. Participants will be divided in three-treatment groups 1) Hydrolysed meat-protein (MEAT); 2) Whey (W) and 3) non-protein iso-energetic placebo (CHO). Once considered eligible for the study, and after an initial familiarisation period and baseline tests, participants will be randomly assigned to one of the intervention groups: MEAT; W and CHO. Each group will follow a 8-week periodised resistance training intervention combined with one of the three specific supplementation treatments (MEAT, W or CHO). Measurements of general markers of health, immunity, body composition, muscle structure and performance will be determined before and after the training intervention.

Once informed consent and health history have been obtained, after the baseline Assessment (t1), participants will divided into three similar profile groups, matched by body mass, age, sex and performance. 1) The meat protein group (MEAT n=10) that will take 250 ml of orange juice mixed with 20g of hydrolysates meat protein powder and water 2) The whey group (n=10) will take 20 g of whey intact isolate powder mixed with 250 ml of orange juice and water 3) the contrast group (P n=10) that will take an iso-energetic non-protein, only carbohydrate (maltodextrin) placebo.

Participants: Thirty participants, recruited from the University Campus, will take part in the project. After being informed of all risk, discomforts, and benefits involved, participants will sign a written informed consent regarding their participation.

Intervention Familiarization period: Participants will undertake 3 sessions of familiarization (1 weeks). A qualified strength and conditioning coach will control and assists participants in order to guarantee a correct execution of the selected exercise. All participants will be instructed about the appropriate use of the Rate of Perceived Exertion (0-10) scale to control the load and training intensity.

Resistance Training: The resistance-training program will be designed to increase strength and mass of all major muscle groups. The program will be undertaken on three non-consecutive days per week, under the supervision of strength and conditioning coaches, preferable Strength and Conditioning master students. Training workout will be performed during the afternoon (between 3pm and 6pm) with at least 48 hours between sessions.