The Effect of Milk Derived Protein Supplementation on Muscle Recovery Following Resistance Exercise
Phase: NA
Conditions: Resistance Training, Muscle Damage
Sponsor: University of Limerick

Ethical Approval Code: 2016_12_09_EHS 
 
  
Study Protocol  
 
The Effect of Milk-Derived Protein Supplementation on the Recovery of Muscle 
Function following Resistance Exercise 
Project context. 
In order to maximise training adaptation during a resistance exercise program effective recovery is critical. Exercise-
induced muscle damage (EIMD) occur following resistance exercise and, whilst this can lead to positive training effects 
e.g. increased muscle size, speed & strength, EIMD may also cause muscle soreness & inflammation that have 
detrimental effects on training and performance.  
Research Question: 
This study aims to analyse the use milk-derived protein supplementation for effective recovery of muscle following 
resistance exercise.  
Study Protocol: 
All aspects of the study and risks involved will be explained clearly to all involved. 
This study requires 17 DAYS split into 2 distinct phases, illustrated in Figure 1 and described below. The study will be 
conducted in the PESS Building at the University of Limerick. 
 
Phase 1: Days 1 – 8  
I. 
Food and fluid intake for every eating occasion, every day for days 1 to 7 under the guidance of a qualified 
dietician/sports nutritionist.  
II. 
familiarisation resistance exercise / muscle function sessions (around 1 hour each) 
 

Ethical Approval Code: 2016_12_09_EHS 
 
Day 1: 
 Pre-screening: Each subject will undertake preliminary screening consisting of:  
i. 
medical history and examination by a clinician 
ii. 
blood sample (SS023) to be evaluated for health-related contraindications 
iii. 
body composition measurement by DXA to determine whole body and segmental lean tissue mass (SS077); 
iv. 
exercise training log (6 month recall) 
v. 
dietary consultation 
vi. 
habitual physical activity level assessed by EPAQ-2 
 
Day 2 - 8: Subject will be "free-living" during this time. Record of dietary intake under the guidance of a qualified 
dietitian and sports nutritionist. Physical activity recorded by an exercise physiologist and strength and conditioning 
coach.  
 
 
Phase 2: Days 9 - 17  
Day 9: 
i. 
Familiarisation sessions to the testing procedures (EHSREC10-RA04, SS014, SS003, SS017, SS035) 
ii. 
A single blood sample (5ml) will be drawn (SS203).  
Day 10:  
I. 
In the afternoon 200ml of water containing deuterium (heavy water) will be consumed. A small saliva sample 
will be collected before and 1 hour after consuming the water.  
Days 11-1:  A prescribed diet (gratis) is provided.  The meal plan (3 meals, 2 snacks, 1 ‘shake’ per day) based on the 
habitual dietary intake of resistance-trained athletes and standardised to body mass (Table).  
Day 11: 
I. 
A fasted venous blood sample (5ml; by venepuncture) is drawn and saliva sample collected.   
II. 
A micro-muscle biopsy sample will be taken from the outside portion of the thigh 

Ethical Approval Code: 2016_12_09_EHS 
 
III. 
A prescribed protein supplement will be ingested 
IV. 
A prescribed resistance-exercise Training bout will be completed 
V. 
3-hours later a 2nd micro-muscle biopsy sample will be taken from the outside portion of the thigh 
Day 12:  
I. 
A fasted venous blood sample (5ml; by venepuncture) is drawn and saliva sample collected.   
II. 
A series of muscle function tests will be conducted 
III. 
A prescribed protein supplement will be ingested 
IV. 
No further exercise is permitted  
Day 13:  
V. 
A fasted venous blood sample (5ml; by venepuncture) is drawn and saliva sample collected.   
VI. 
A series of muscle function tests will be conducted 
VII. 
A prescribed resistance-exercise Training bout will be completed 
VIII. 
A prescribed protein supplement will be ingested 
IX. 
No further exercise is permitted  
Day 14:  
I. 
A fasted venous blood sample (5ml; by venepuncture) is drawn and saliva sample collected.   
II. 
A series of muscle function tests will be conducted 
III. 
A prescribed protein supplement will be ingested 
IV. 
No further exercise is permitted  
Day 15:  
I. 
A fasted venous blood sample (5ml; by venepuncture) is drawn and saliva sample collected.   
II. 
A series of muscle function tests will be conducted 
III. 
A prescribed resistance-exercise Training bout will be completed 
IV. 
A prescribed protein supplement will be ingested 
V. 
No further exercise is permitted  
Day 16: 
I. 
A fasted venous blood sample (5ml; by venepuncture) is drawn and saliva sample collected.   
II. 
A series of muscle function tests will be conducted 
III. 
A prescribed protein supplement will be ingested 
IV. 
No further exercise is permitted  
Day 17:  
I. 
A fasted venous blood sample (5ml; by venepuncture) is drawn and saliva sample collected.   
II. 
A series of muscle function tests will be conducted 
END OF STUDY