Effects of Pea Proteins on Muscle Damage and Recovery
Condition: Pea Proteins; Muscle Damage; Amino Acid Change
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      This study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial of
      N=40 recreationally active men to be recruited a single investigational center in Ohio (i.e.,
      The Center for Applied Health Sciences).

      Subjects will take a daily protein supplement (e.g., 15 g of pea protein or 15 g of pea
      protein + probiotic blend) for 4 weeks, have a 1-week washout period (i.e. meaning they will
      not take either supplement), and then take the alternate protein supplement for an additional
      4 weeks. Outcome variables include plasma amino acids, muscle damage, muscle recovery, and GI
      tolerance.
    

Detailed description: 
      This study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial of
      N=40 recreationally active men to be recruited a single investigational center in Ohio (i.e.,
      The Center for Applied Health Sciences).

      Subjects will take a daily protein supplement (e.g., 15 g of pea protein or 15 g of pea
      protein + probiotic blend) for 4 weeks, have a 1-week washout period (i.e. meaning they will
      not take either supplement), and then take the alternate protein supplement for an additional
      4 weeks.

      Subjects will attend 6 study visits. During Visit 1, subjects will be screened for
      participation (i.e., medical history, physical exam, routine blood work, background baseline
      diet). During Visit 2, subjects will get their vitals measured and become randomized into a
      treatment group. During visits 3 and 5, subjects will get their blood drawn to measure plasma
      amino acid (AA) responses before and 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 min post-ingestion of their protein
      test beverage (i.e., pea protein vs. pea protein + probotic) followed by an exhaustive
      workout to induce single leg muscle damage. During visits 4 and 6, subjects will get their
      blood drawn to measure the extent of muscle damage and assess their recovery. Also, during
      visits 3-6 subjects will undergo subjective assessments [markers of recovery (Perceived
      Recovery Scale) and visual analog scales (VAS) to assess changes in perceived recovery, GI
      gas and bloating, fatigue, muscle soreness/tightness, mood, and energy] and lower body girth
      measurements.

      Comprehensive side effect profile/ adverse event monitoring will take place throughout the
      study duration.
    

Intervention name(s): Active Comparator
Intervention type(s): Dietary Supplement
Intervention description(s): Consists of 15 grams of pea protein
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Crossover Assignment
Intervention model description: Subjects will take a daily protein supplement (e.g., 15 g of pea protein or 15 g of pea protein + probiotic blend) for 4 weeks, have a 1-week washout period (i.e. meaning they will not take either supplement), and then take the alternate protein supplement for an additional 4 weeks.
Masking: Single (Investigator)
Primary purpose: Basic Science