Effects of Frequent, High Quality, Multi-Ingredient Protein Meals and Exercise Training on Hormones, Body Composition, Muscular Performance, and Energy Metabolism in Active Healthy Men and Women

Participants were matched for body weight, body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat (%BF) and then randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) Experimental 2.0 g/kg Body Weight per day of protein and combined exercise training (IEPS, n=30); or (2) a control (C) diet containing 1.0 g/kg Body Weight per day of protein and combined exercise training (C, n=30). All participants followed a program of progressive exercise training for 12 weeks performed either in the early morning (0600-0800, AM) or evening (1830-2030, PM). All testing procedures (see below) were administered pre-intervention and post intervention.

Participants in both groups were provided meal plans and instructed to follow the meal plans throughout the intervention. Participants in the IEPS were provided two shakes and 1 bar meal replacement each day to help them meet the 2.0 g/kg Body Weight of protein per day. Participants were given a 2-wk supply of the supplement and asked to return the empty packets before they received the next two-week's supply as a means of assessing their compliance. C participants were required to follow a healthy meal plan providing 1.0 g/kg Body Weight of protein per day by consuming whole foods for all of their meals. They were not provided additional protein supplements. However, they were provided food supplies consisting of granola bars, chocolate milk, and fruit to help them meet their 1.0 g/kg BW protein per day. They were also asked to return empty food packets to monitor compliance. Similar dietary interventions to the two proposed in this study have been used successfully in the past by the PI with no adverse events being reported.

Prior to the start of the study, each subject was familiarized with the exercise training protocols by participating in eight supervised exercise sessions over a two-week period (4 times per week) in the Skidmore College fitness and weight training rooms located adjacent to the Health & Exercise Sciences Department. Participants were asked to perform all the exercise sessions at Skidmore College for the first two weeks and had the option to perform one or two of the exercises (I, E) on their own at home or at their local gym following the two week familiarization. Participants were required to perform 4 exercise sessions per week of the following exercises: a) resistance training (R); b) interval sprint training (I); c) stretching training (S); and d) endurance training (E). During the course of the interventions, a member of the research team periodically "checked-in" (weekly) with each participant by phone, email, or in-person to answer any questions or provide guidance with the exercise and dietary intake. All exercise training guidelines and recommendations followed the American College of Sports Medicine, such that their exercise intensity will be based on their individual fitness level and health status.