The anabolic response to resistance exercise and a protein-rich meal is not diminished by age

OBJECTIVES

The synergistic effect of resistance exercise and protein ingestion on muscle protein anabolism in young adults has been well described. However, it is unclear if this relationship is maintained in older adults who are at greater risk of sarcopenic muscle loss. To this end, we sought to determine if the synergistic response to a bout of resistance exercise and a protein-rich lean beef meal was altered by age.

SETTING

The University of Texas Medical Branch, Clinical Research Center, Galveston, Texas.

PARTICIPANTS

Healthy young (n=7, 29±3 y) and older (n=7, 67±2 y) adults.

DESIGN

Mixed muscle fractional synthesis rate (FSR) was calculated during a 3 h post-absorptive/rest period and again during a 5 h period following ingestion of a protein-rich meal (340 g lean beef) and bout of resistance exercise (6 sets of 8 repetitions of isotonic knee extension exercise at 80% one repetition maximum).

MEASUREMENTS

Venous blood samples and vastus lateralis muscle biopsy samples were obtained during a primed (2.0 µmol/kg) constant infusion (0.08 µmol∙kg(-1)min(-1)) of L- [ring-13C6] phenylalanine.

RESULTS

Mixed muscle FSR increased by approximately 108% in both young [pre: 0.073±0.008; post: 0.156±0.021(SE) %/h, p<0.001] and older adults (pre: 0.075±0.004; post: 0.152±0.017 %/h, p=0.003) following the meal and resistance exercise bout.

CONCLUSION

Aging does not diminish the increase in muscle protein synthesis following a high-quality protein rich meal and bout of resistance exercise.

Artificial gravity maintains skeletal muscle protein synthesis during 21 days of simulated microgravity

We sought to determine the effects of longitudinal loading (artificial gravity) on skeletal muscle protein kinetics in 15 healthy young males after 21 days of 6 degrees head-down tilt bed rest [experimental treatment (Exp) group: n = 8, 31 +/- 1 yr; control (Con) group; n = 7, 28 +/- 1 yr, means +/- SE]. On days 1 and 21 of bed rest, postabsorptive venous blood samples and muscle biopsies (vastus lateralis and soleus) were obtained during a 1-h pulse bolus infusion protocol (0 min, l-[ring-(13)C(6)]phenylalanine, 35 mumol/kg; 30 min, l-[ring-(15)N]phenylalanine, 35 mumol/kg). Outcome measures included mixed muscle fractional synthesis (FSR) and breakdown rates (FBR). The Exp group experienced 1 h of longitudinal loading (2.5G at the feet) via a short-radius centrifuge during each day of bed rest. Mixed muscle FSR in the Con group was reduced by 48.5% (day 1, 0.081 +/- 0.000%/h vs. day 21, 0.042 +/- 0.000%/h; P = 0.001) in vastus lateralis after 21 days of bed rest, whereas the Exp group maintained their rate of protein synthesis. A similar but nonsignificant change in FSR was noted for the soleus muscle (Exp, -7%; Con, -22%). No changes in muscle protein breakdown were observed. In conclusion, 1 h of daily exposure to artificial gravity maintained the rate of protein synthesis of the vastus lateralis and may represent an effective adjunct countermeasure to combat the loss of muscle mass and functional during extended spaceflight.

The deleterious effects of bed rest on human skeletal muscle fibers are exacerbated by hypercortisolemia and ameliorated by dietary supplementation

Prolonged inactivity associated with bed rest in a clinical setting or spaceflight is frequently associated with hypercortisolemia and inadequate caloric intake. Here, we determined the effect of 28 days of bed rest (BR); bed rest plus hypercortisolemia (BRHC); and bed rest plus essential amino acid (AA) and carbohydrate (CHO) supplement (BRAA) on the size and function of single slow- and fast-twitch muscle fibers. Supplementing meals, the BRAA group consumed 16.5 g essential amino acids and 30 g sucrose at 1100, 1600, and 2100 h, and the BRHC subjects received 5 daily doses of 10-15 mg of oral hydrocortisone sodium succinate throughout bed rest. Bed rest induced atrophy and loss of force (mN) and power (muN.FL.s(-1)) in single fibers was exacerbated by hypercortisolemia where soleus peak force declined by 23% in the type I fiber from a prevalue of 0.78 +/- 0.02 to 0.60 +/- 0.02 mN post bed rest (compared to a 7% decline with bed rest alone) and 27% in the type II fiber (1.10 +/- 0.08 vs. 0.81 +/- 0.05 mN). In the BRHC group, peak power dropped by 19, 15, and 11% in the soleus type I, and vastus lateralis (VL) type I and II fibers, respectively. The AA/CHO supplement protected against the bed rest-induced loss of peak force in the type I soleus and peak power in the VL type II fibers. These results provide evidence that an AA/CHO supplement might serve as a successful countermeasure to help preserve muscle function during periods of relative inactivity.

Differential expression of muscle damage in humans following acute fast and slow velocity eccentric exercise

We sought to determine if the velocity of an acute bout of eccentric contractions influenced the duration and severity of several common indirect markers of muscle damage. Subjects performed 36 maximal fast (FST, n = 8: 3.14 rad x s(-1)) or slow (SLW, n = 7: 0.52 rad x s(-1)) velocity isokinetic eccentric contractions with the elbow flexors of the non-dominant arm. Muscle soreness, limb girth, plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity, isometric torque and concentric and eccentric torque at 0.52 and 3.14 rad x s(-1) were assessed prior to and for several days following the eccentric bout. Peak plasma CK activity was similar in SLW (4030 +/- 1029 U x 1(-1)) and FST (5864 +/- 2664 U x 1(-1)) groups, (p > 0.05). Both groups experienced similar decrement in all strength variables during the 48 hr following the eccentric bout. However, recovery occurred more rapidly in the FST group during eccentric (0.52 and 3.14 rad x s(-1)) and concentric (3.14 rad x s(-1)) post-testing. The severity of muscle soreness was similar in both groups. However, the FST group experienced peak muscle soreness 48 hr later than the SLW group (24 hr vs. 72 hr). The SLW group experienced a greater increase in upper arm girth than the FST group 20 min, 24 hr and 96 hr following the eccentric exercise bout. The contraction velocity of an acute bout of eccentric exercise differentially influences the magnitude and time course of several indirect markers of muscle damage.

Amino acid supplementation alters bone metabolism during simulated weightlessness

High-protein and acidogenic diets induce hypercalciuria. Foods or supplements with excess sulfur-containing amino acids increase endogenous sulfuric acid production and therefore have the potential to increase calcium excretion and alter bone metabolism. In this study, effects of an amino acid/carbohydrate supplement on bone resorption were examined during bed rest. Thirteen subjects were divided at random into two groups: a control group (Con, n = 6) and an amino acid-supplemented group (AA, n = 7) who consumed an extra 49.5 g essential amino acids and 90 g carbohydrate per day for 28 days. Urine was collected for n-telopeptide (NTX), deoxypyridinoline (DPD), calcium, and pH determinations. Bone mineral content was determined and potential renal acid load was calculated. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase was measured in serum samples collected on day 1 (immediately before bed rest) and on day 28. Potential renal acid load was higher in the AA group than in the Con group during bed rest ( P < 0.05). For all subjects, during bed rest urinary NTX and DPD concentrations were greater than pre-bed rest levels ( P < 0.05). Urinary NTX and DPD tended to be higher in the AA group ( P = 0.073 and P = 0.056, respectively). During bed rest, urinary calcium was greater than baseline levels ( P < 0.05) in the AA group but not the Con group. Total bone mineral content was lower after bed rest than before bed rest in the AA group but not the Con group ( P < 0.05). During bed rest, urinary pH decreased ( P < 0.05), and it was lower in the AA group than the Con group. These data suggest that bone resorption increased, without changes in bone formation, in the AA group.

Mixed muscle and hepatic derived plasma protein metabolism is differentially regulated in older and younger men following resistance exercise

We sought to determine whether exercise-induced muscle protein turnover alters the subsequent production of hepatically derived acute-phase plasma proteins, and whether age affects how these proteins are regulated. We measured arteriovenous (a-v) balance and the synthesis of mixed muscle protein, albumin (A) and fibrinogen (F) before exercise (REST) and from the beginning of exercise to 10, 60, and 180 min following a single bout of moderate-intensity leg extension exercise (POST-EX) in postabsorptive untrained older (n = 6) and younger (n = 6) men using L-[ring-2H5]phenylalanine (Phe). Subjects performed 6 sets of 8 repetitions of leg extension at 80% of their 1-RM (one-repetition maximum). All data are presented as the difference from REST (Delta from REST at 10, 60, and 180 min POST-EX). Mixed muscle fractional synthesis rate (FSR-M) increased significantly from the beginning of exercise until 10 min POST-EX in the older men (DeltaFSR-M: 0.044%/h), whereas FSR-M in the younger men was not elevated until 180 min POST-EX (DeltaFSR-M: 0.030%/h). FSR-A and FSR-F increased at all POST-EX periods in the older men (DeltaFSR-A = 10 min: 1.90%/day; 60 min: 2.72%/day; 180 min: 2.78%/day; DeltaFSR-F = 10 min: 1.00%/day; 60 min: 3.01%/day; 180 min: 3.73%/day). No change occurred in FSR-A in the younger men, but FSR-F was elevated from the beginning of exercise until 10 and 180 min POST-EX (10 min: 3.07%/day and 180 min: 3.96%/day). Net balance of Phe was positive in the older men in the immediate POST-EX period. Our data indicate that mixed muscle and hepatic derived protein synthesis is differentially regulated in younger and older men in response to a single bout of moderate-intensity leg extension exercise. Moreover, our data suggest that with age may come a greater need to salvage or make available amino acids from exercise-induced muscle protein breakdown to mount an acute-phase response.

Postexercise protein metabolism in older and younger men following moderate-intensity aerobic exercise

Regular aerobic exercise strongly influences muscle metabolism in elderly and young; however, the acute effects of aerobic exercise on protein metabolism are not fully understood. We investigated the effect of a single bout of moderate walking (45 min at approximately 40% of peak O2 consumption) on postexercise (POST-EX) muscle metabolism and synthesis of plasma proteins [albumin (ALB) and fibrinogen (FIB)] in untrained older (n = 6) and younger (n = 6) men. We measured muscle phenylalanine (Phe) kinetics before (REST) and POST-EX (10, 60, and 180 min) using l-[ring-2H5]phenylalanine infusion, femoral arteriovenous blood samples, and muscle biopsies. All data are presented as the difference from REST (at 10, 60, and 180 min POST-EX). Mixed muscle fractional synthesis rate (FSR) increased significantly at 10 min POST-EX in both the younger (0.0363%/h) and older men (0.0830%/h), with the younger men staying elevated through 60 min POST-EX (0.0253%/h). ALB FSR increased at 10 min POST-EX in the younger men only (2.30%/day), whereas FIB FSR was elevated in both groups through 180 min POST-EX (younger men = 4.149, older men = 4.107%/day). Muscle protein turnover was also increased, with increases in synthesis and breakdown in younger and older men. Phe rate of disappearance (synthesis) was increased in both groups at 10 min POST-EX and remained elevated through 60 min POST-EX in the older men. A bout of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise induces short-term increases in muscle and plasma protein synthesis in both younger and older men. Aging per se does not diminish the protein metabolic capacity of the elderly to respond to acute aerobic exercise.

Short-term beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate supplementation does not reduce symptoms of eccentric muscle damage

PURPOSE

We examined the effects of short-term beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation on symptoms of muscle damage following an acute bout of eccentric exercise.

METHODS

Non-resistance trained subjects were randomly assigned to a HMB supplement group (HMB, 40mg/kg bodyweight/day, n = 8) or placebo group (CON, n = 9). Supplementation commenced 6 days prior to a bout of 24 maximal isokinetic eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors and continued throughout post-testing. Muscle soreness, upper arm girth, and torque measures were assessed pre-exercise, 15 min post-exercise, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 10 days post-exercise.

RESULTS

No pre-test differences between HMB and CON groups were identified, and both performed a similar amount of eccentric work during the main eccentric exercise bout (p > .05). HMB supplementation had no effect on swelling, muscle soreness, or torque following the damaging eccentric exercise bout (p > .05).

CONCLUSION

Compared to a placebo condition, short-term supplementation with 40mg/kg bodyweight/day of HMB had no beneficial effect on a range of symptoms associated with eccentric muscle damage. If HMB can produce an ergogenic response, a longer preexercise supplementation period may be necessary.

Adaptation to chronic eccentric exercise in humans: the influence of contraction velocity

We compared changes in muscle fibre composition and muscle strength indices following a 10 week isokinetic resistance training programme consisting of fast (3.14 rad x s(-1)) or slow (0.52 rad x s(-1)) velocity eccentric muscle contractions. A group of 20 non-resistance trained subjects were assigned to a FAST (n = 7), SLOW (n = 6) or non-training CONTROL (n = 7) group. A unilateral training protocol targeted the elbow flexor muscle group and consisted of 24 maximal eccentric isokinetic contractions (four sets of six repetitions) performed three times a week for 10 weeks. Muscle biopsy samples were obtained from the belly of the biceps brachii. Isometric torque and concentric and eccentric torque at 0.52 and 3.14 rad x s(-1) were examined at 0, 5 and 10 weeks. After 10 weeks, the FAST group demonstrated significant [mean (SEM)] increases in eccentric [29.6 (6.4)%] and concentric torque [27.4 (7.3)%] at 3.14 rad x s(-1), isometric torque [21.3 (4.3)%] and eccentric torque [25.2 (7.2)%] at 0.52 rad x s(-1). The percentage of type I fibres in the FAST group decreased from [53.8 (6.6)% to 39.1 (4.4)%] while type IIb fibre percentage increased from [5.8 (1.9)% to 12.9 (3.3)%; P < 0.05]. In contrast, the SLOW group did not experience significant changes in muscle fibre type or muscle torque. We conclude that neuromuscular adaptations to eccentric training stimuli may be influenced by differences in the ability to cope with chronic exposure to relatively fast and slow eccentric contraction velocities. Possible mechanisms include greater cumulative damage to contractile tissues or stress induced by slow eccentric muscle contractions.

Acute adaptation to low volume eccentric exercise

PURPOSE

Many symptoms of eccentric muscle damage can be substantially reduced if a similar eccentric bout is repeated within several weeks of the initial bout. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a nondamaging, low repetition, low volume eccentric exercise bout could also provide a protective/adaptive effect.

METHODS

Subjects were assigned to a control (CON), eccentric exercise (ECC), or low volume familiarized eccentric exercise group (LV+ECC). Before the study, the LV+ECC group performed six maximal eccentric contractions during two familiarization sessions. The main eccentric bout targeted the elbow flexor muscle group and consisted of 36 maximal eccentric contractions. Muscle soreness, upper arm girth, elbow angle, creatine kinase activity, isometric torque, and concentric and eccentric torque at 0.52 and 3.14 rad.s-1 were assessed 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 10 d postexercise.

RESULTS

No evidence of muscle damage was observed as a result of the low volume eccentric bouts. Nevertheless, with the exception of muscle soreness and concentric torque, all variables recovered more rapidly in the LV+ECC group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Adaptation to eccentric exercise can occur in the absence of significant muscle damage. Exposure to a small number of nondamaging eccentric contractions can significantly improve recovery after a subsequent damaging eccentric bout. Furthermore, this adaptation appears to be mode-specific and not applicable to concentric contractions.

The effects of a repeated bout of eccentric exercise on indices of muscle damage and delayed onset muscle soreness

This study examined markers of muscle damage following a repeated bout of maximal isokinetic eccentric exercise performed prior to full recovery from a previous bout. Twenty non-resistance trained volunteers were randomly assigned to a control (CON, n=10) or experimental (EXP, n=10) group. Both groups performed 36 maximal isokinetic eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors of the non-dominant arm (ECC1). The EXP group repeated the same eccentric exercise bout two days later (ECC2). Total work and peak eccentric torque were recorded during each set of ECC1 and ECC2. Isometric torque, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), flexed elbow angle and plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity were measured prior to and immediately following ECC1 and ECC2. at 24h intervals for 7 days following ECC1 and finally on day 11. In both groups, all dependent variables changed significantly during the 2 days following ECC1. A further acute post-exercise impairment in isometric torque (30 +/- 5%) and flexed elbow angle (20 +/- 4%) was observed following ECC2 (p<0.05), despite EXP subjects producing uniformly lower work and peak eccentric torque values during ECC2 (p<0.05). No other significant differences between the CON and EXP groups were observed throughout the study (p>0.05). These findings suggest that when maximal isokinetic eccentric exercise is repeated two days after experiencing of contraction-induced muscle damage, the recovery time course is not significantly altered.