Post-exercise provision of 40 g of protein during whole body resistance training further augments strength adaptations in elderly males.

 In the elderly, low protein intake exacerbates the effects of sarcopenia and anabolic resistance.  Protein supplementation to maximise muscle protein synthesis, may be an effective intervention. Aim: To determine the effects of a low/high dose of protein, ingested immediately post-exercise, during resistance training in novice elderly males. Method: 24 elderly (70.5±5.1, years) males were recruited (body mass: 92.4±14.9 kg; fat free mass: 61.4±7.6 kg).  After exclusion criteria, 18 males participated. Participants continued their normal dietary intake and were allocated into two matched groups, then randomly assigned to either a 20 g or 40 g dose intervention. Following determination of 1 repetition maximum (1RM), participants completed 10 x 3d-1 wk resistance training and consumed protein supplements immediately following exercise. Results: Significant improvements in chest press (p = 0.014, ɳp2 0.34) shoulder press (p = 0.005, ɳp2 0.43) and leg extension strength (p = 0.014, ɳp2 0.34), were observed following the 40 g dose, resulting in performance improvements of 19.1, 21.1, and 16.1% respectively, compared to the 20 g dose. Conclusion:Findings suggest that ingesting 40 g of protein following resistance exercise, produces greater responses to training and may be an important nutritional strategy when prescribing resistance exercise in the elderly.