The Benefits of Hemp Protein Supplementation During Resistance Training

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Forty physically active men and women aged 18-45y will take part in an 8-week resistance training program, randomized (double blind) 1:1 into each of two groups. Twenty participants will be randomized to receive 60 g/d of hemp powder (containing approximately 40 g protein and 9 g oil) supplementation and 20 randomized to receive 60 g/d of soy supplementation (matched to the hemp for macronutrients and calories) during eight weeks of training. Each participant will complete testing before and after the intervention for assessment of body composition (lean tissue, fat, and bone mass), strength, central fatigue, markers of inflammation, and bone resorption. Over the 8-weeks of training, participants will train four-five days per week for 1-1.5 hours per session with exercises targeting all major muscle groups. The training will involve a two day split where different muscle groups are trained on two consecutive days (day 1 involves chest, back, and arms; day 2 legs, shoulders, and abdominals). Resistance training will provide the necessary stimulus for protein synthesis to optimize the effect of a protein-containing nutritional supplement. The hemp or soy powder will be consumed in two doses (i.e. 30 g powder containing 20 g protein per dose) immediately after exercise sessions and one hour after exercise. This dosing regimen is optimal for stimulating muscle protein synthesis and building muscle mass . On the one non-training day per week the two doses will be consumed with meals.

Official Title
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The Benefits of Hemp Protein Supplementation During Resistance Training

Conditions
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Sarcopenia

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: Hemp powder
* Dietary Supplement: Soy Powder


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: At least 6 months experience with resistance training Exclusion Criteria: Allergies to hemp or soy Consumption of other nutritional supplements in previous month Answered yes to questions on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 45 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Other
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Quadruple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Hemp powder<br>Hemp powder supplement | Dietary Supplement: Hemp powder<br>* Hemp powder supplement<br>|
| Active Comparator: Soy powder<br>Soy powder supplement | Dietary Supplement: Soy Powder<br>* Soy powder supplement<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in lean tissue mass (kg) | Lean tissue mass measured with dual energy x-ray absrorptiometry | 8 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in fat mass (kg) | Fat mass as measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry | 8 weeks | 
| Change in bone mass (grams) | Bone mass as measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry | 8 weeks | 
| Change in elbow flexor muscle thickness (cm) | Muscle thickness as assessed by ultrasound | 8 weeks | 
| Change in knee extensor muscle thickness (cm) | muscle thickness as measured by ultrasound | 8 weeks | 
| Change in bench press strength (kg) | Bench press strength as assess on a plate-loaded machine by the 1-RM method | 8 weeks | 
| Change in arm curl strength (kg) | Arm curl strength as assessed with dumbbells by the 1-RM method | 8 weeks | 
| Change in leg press strength (kg) | Leg press strength as assessed on a leg-press machine by the 1-RM method | 8 weeks | 
| Change in inflammation by interleukin-6 (mmol/l) levels | Interleukin-6 levels measured from saliva samples | 8 weeks | 
| Change in inflammation by C-reactive protein (mmol/l) levels | C-reactive protein levels measured from saliva samples | 8 weeks | 
| Change in bone resorption (N-telopeptides) (mmol/l) | N-telopeptides measured from urine samples | 8 weeks | 
| Change in voluntary muscle activation (Nm) | Voluntary muscle activation as measured by the interpolated twitch technique | 8 weeks |