The Impact of Beef on Muscle Fatigue in Older Adults

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
The goal of this controlled-feeding cross-over diet intervention is to compare a beef diet to a vegetarian diet on muscle fatigue in older adults. The aims are: AIM 1: To test the hypothesis that muscle fatigue is attenuated in older adults consuming beef compared to older adults consuming a plant-based diet. AIM2: To test the hypothesis that daily beef consumption improves biochemical indicators related to muscle fatigue. Participants will be randomized to consume either a beef-based diet or vegetarian diet under controlled-feeding conditions for 8 weeks. After a 2-week washout period, participants will cross-over to consume either the beef diet or vegetarian diet for 8 weeks. Body composition and functional muscle outcomes will be measured during each 8-week feeding period. Blood samples will also be collected.

Official Title
-----------------
The Effect of Beta-Alanine and Carnosine From Beef Intake on Muscle Fatigue in Older Adults

Conditions
-----------------
Muscle Weakness, Muscle; Fatigue, Heart, Older Adults

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Other: Beef Diet
* Other: Vegetarian Diet


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria Ages 60-75 years Ability to eat study diet meals for a total of 16 weeks Ability to perform sit-to-stand chair and 6-minute walking tests based on results from PAR-Q questionnaire Ability to provide fasted blood samples Access to transportation Willing to abstain from alcohol consumption and/or use illicit drug use for each 8-week intervention period Ability to consent to participating in this study English-speaking Body mass index between 18.5 (normal) and 39.9 (obese) kg/m2 Minimum total body weight of 110 pounds Non-anemia hemoglobin values: Females - >12.0 grams/dL; Men - >13.0 grams/dL Able to ambulate without assistance Physician's clearance for study participation (required prior to baseline testing) Exclusion Criteria Inability or refusal to sign the informed consent Significant orthopedic limitations or other contraindications to exercise Inability or refusal to perform muscle fatigue tests Has dietary restrictions that prevent to consumption of beef, soy and/or wheat Has liver or kidney complications Live or work >50 miles from Bloomington study site or does not have transportation to the study site Anticipate elective surgery during the study period Diagnosis of progressive neurological disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis Fracture or serious injury in the last 6 months Stroke, revascularization, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism in the past 12 months Severe cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled systemic hypertension, chronic pulmonary disease Plan to move residence or travel out of the local area during the study period Current use of anti-coagulants (e.g. Coumadin or Warfarin) Current use of prescription medications that affect heart rate or blood vessel dilation Psychological or social characteristics that would interfere with their ability to fully participate in the study

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 60 Years
Maximum Age: 75 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Triple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Beef Diet<br>Participants will be randomized to consume the beef diet for 8 weeks. After a 2-week period, participants will cross-over to consume the vegetarian diet for 8 weeks. | Other: Beef Diet<br>* Controlled-Feeding Diet Intervention<br>|
| Experimental: Vegetarian Diet<br>Participants will be randomized to consume the vegetarian diet for 8 weeks. After a 2-week period, participants will cross-over to consume the beef diet for 8 weeks. | Other: Vegetarian Diet<br>* Controlled-Feeding Diet Intervention<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The change in muscle strength | Sit-to-stand | Weeks 0, 4, 8 | 
| The change in muscle function | 6-minute walk | Weeks 0,4,6 | 

 Terms related to the study
=================
Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
-----------------
Body Composition, Older Adults, Diet, Vegetarian, Meat, Beef, Controlled Feeding, Intervention