Protein Intake for Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy with Resistance Training in Seniors

Variability in protein consumption may influence muscle mass changes induced by resistance exercise training (RET). We sought to administer a post-exercise protein supplement and determine if daily protein intake variability affected variability in muscle mass gains. Men (N=22) and women (N=30) ranging in age from 60 to 69 y participated in a 12-wk RET program. At each RET session, participants consumed a post-exercise drink (0.4 g/kg lean mass protein). RET resulted in significant increases in lean mass (1.1 +/- 1.5 kg), similar between sexes (P > 0.05). Variability in mean daily protein intake was not associated with change in lean mass (r 0.05). The group with the highest protein intake (1.35 g x kg(-1) x d(-1), n=8) had similar (P > 0.05) changes in lean mass as the group with the lowest daily protein intake (0.72 g x kg(-1) x d(-1), n=9). These data suggest that variability in total daily protein intake does not affect variability in lean mass gains with RET in the context of post-exercise protein supplementation.