Exercise and Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)Requirements in Older Men

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Likely, branched chain amino acid (BCAA) requirements are increased in older strength-trained (ST) individuals. If so, supplementation in this group will maximize muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and minimize loss of muscle with age (sarcopenia).

Detailed Description
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We hypothesize that the dietary requirement for the branched chain amino acids (BCAA) in an older strength-trained (ST) population will be greater than the current recommendation (RDA). If so, a greater intake of BCAA together with ST is necessary if one aims to maximize muscle protein synthesis (MPS). Currently, the BCAA requirement in the ST older population (55-65 y) is unknown. This is critical information especially given the value of ST for overall health.

Official Title
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Can Branched Chained Amino Acid Supplementation Combined With Strength-Training Minimize Sarcopenia in Older Men?

Conditions
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Sarcopenia

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: Branched chain amino acid
* Behavioral: Strength training


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Recreationally active ( 2-3 h/wk of physical activity) healthy older men (55-65 y) A minimum of 4 month weight training experience Exclusion Criteria: Have symptoms or take medication for respiratory disease Have symptoms or take medication for cardiovascular disease Have symptoms or take medication for metabolic disease Have symptoms or take mediation for neuromuscular disease Use heart rate or blood pressure medications Use any medications with side effects of dizziness, lack of motor control, or slowed reaction time Have an excessive alcohol intake (more than 2 drinks per day) Have any cardiovascular or neuromuscular limitations to exercise Are allergic to milk or milk products Use anabolic steroids or performance enhancing drugs

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 55 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

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: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Branched chain amino acid<br>Branched chain amino acid as food supplement | Dietary Supplement: Branched chain amino acid<br>* seven graded intakes of a BCAA (branched chain amino acid) mixture from 50 to 350 mg.kg-1.d-1 will be used to measure BCAA requirement<br>* Other names: Ajinomoto branched chain amino acids;Behavioral: Strength training<br>* Strength training will include a split-training program using all major muscle groups of the body on a three day on, one day off protocol. Muscle areas targeted on each training day will be as follows: Day1: chest, shoulder, triceps; Day2: back, biceps; Day3: legs and calfs; Day4: will be a rest day. On Day5: this cycle will begin again. A combination of free weights and machines will be used for each training day. Progressive overload protocol will be applied where the load used by every participant will be adjusted bi-weekly based on their 70% of 1 repetition maximum (maximum weight that can be lifted only one time). Instruction will be provided for all exercises and professional trainers will oversee all training sessions.<br>* Other names: weight training;|
| Active Comparator: Weight training<br>Strength training will include a split-training program using all major muscle groups of the body on a three day on, one day off protocol. Muscle areas targeted on each training day will be as follows: Day1: chest, shoulder, triceps; Day2: back, biceps; Day3: legs and calfs; Day4: will be a rest day. On Day5: this cycle will begin again. A combination of free weights and machines will be used for each training day. Progressive overload protocol will be applied where the load used by every participant will be adjusted bi-weekly based on their 70% of 1RM (repetition maximum). Instruction will be provided for all exercises and professional trainers will oversee all training sessions. | Dietary Supplement: Branched chain amino acid<br>* seven graded intakes of a BCAA (branched chain amino acid) mixture from 50 to 350 mg.kg-1.d-1 will be used to measure BCAA requirement<br>* Other names: Ajinomoto branched chain amino acids;Behavioral: Strength training<br>* Strength training will include a split-training program using all major muscle groups of the body on a three day on, one day off protocol. Muscle areas targeted on each training day will be as follows: Day1: chest, shoulder, triceps; Day2: back, biceps; Day3: legs and calfs; Day4: will be a rest day. On Day5: this cycle will begin again. A combination of free weights and machines will be used for each training day. Progressive overload protocol will be applied where the load used by every participant will be adjusted bi-weekly based on their 70% of 1 repetition maximum (maximum weight that can be lifted only one time). Instruction will be provided for all exercises and professional trainers will oversee all training sessions.<br>* Other names: weight training;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Required Branched chain amino acid of older strength trained men | Branched chain amino acid requirement will be measured in 55-65 years old strength trained men using indicator amino acid oxidation method | 12 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Muscle size | cross-sectional measure of muscle size will be measured in all participants using standard procedures of magenetic resonance imaging | 12 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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branched chain amino acid requirement, older men, strength training, sarcopenia