Protein intake, endurance exercise, and muscle protein synthesis V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The impact of protein quantity and timing on muscle protein synthesis during endurance exercise and recovery
IRAS ID
345203
Contact name
Carl Hulston
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 27 days
Research summary
Proteins play important structural and regulatory roles within the body. Active individuals have greater dietary protein requirements than sedentary counterparts. Research has traditionally focused on the protein needs of individuals performing strength training. Far less is known about the protein needs of endurance athletes. Endurance exercise training likely increases protein requirements due to the need to replace amino acids lost to oxidation and other metabolic processes, and to support increased protein turnover and remodelling of skeletal muscle towards a more aerobic phenotype. Another factor affecting skeletal muscle protein metabolism is the timing of protein intake. This study aims to determine 1) whether increased protein intake supports higher rates of muscle protein synthesis during a 24-hour period in which prolonged cycling exercise is performed, and 2) whether the timing of additional protein intake (during vs after exercise) influences the muscle protein synthetic response.
The research will be conducted at the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Birmingham. The research will recruit experienced male cyclists or triathletes aged 30-59 years. Participants will be involved in the research for ~3 weeks, and the study will involve undertaking one bout of prolonged cycling and consuming one of three different diets: either control diet (protein intake 1.0 g/kg/day), extra protein intake during exercise (protein intake 1.7 g/kg/day) or after exercise (protein intake 1.7 g/kg/day). Muscle protein synthesis rates will be determined by measuring the incorporation of an oral stable isotope tracer into protein obtained from muscle biopsy samples. Experimental procedures will include providing saliva, blood, and muscle biopsy samples.
This research will expand our understanding of protein and amino acid metabolism during endurance exercise and recovery, with potential to impact nutritional strategies and dietary recommendations for those involved in recreational endurance sports.REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/EM/0210
Date of REC Opinion
14 Nov 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion