Oral amino-acid provision does not affect muscle strength or size gains in older men.
OBJECTIVE
The intent of this investigation was to examine the effects of a daily oral provision consisting of amino acids (L-lysine, L-leucine, L-valine, L-phenylalanine, L-threonine, L-histidine, L-isoleucine, and L-methionine) in combination with carbohydrates (dextrose, sucrose, and fructose) on whole muscle strength and size characteristics during a 12-wk progressive knee extensor resistance training (PRT) program in older men (>65 yr).


METHODS
Seventeen older men were randomly assigned to either the experimental (EX) or control (CN) groups. The EX (N = 8) and CN (N = 9) groups had the following characteristics-EX: 70.8 +/- 1.5 yr, 91.0 +/- 4.9 kg, and 177.0 +/- 3.9 cm; CN: 72.1 +/- 1.9 yr, 75.4 +/- 4.7 kg, and 176.1 +/- 3.0. Pre and post PRT maximal unilateral isometric torque (N.m), isokinetic torque (1.05, 1.57, 2.09, 3.14, 4.19, and 5.24 rad.s-1), work capacity (30 consecutive reps at 3.14 rad.s-1) torque, one repetition maximum (1RM) bilateral isotonic strength, and whole muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of the mid-thigh were performed by computed tomography on each subject.


RESULTS
All variables showed an improvement with training (P < 0.05); however, there were no differences between the groups. Both groups increased in isometric strength by 21%, and isokinetic torque by 24% to 11% with the varying velocities (1.05-5.24 rad.s-1). Whole muscle 1RM strength and thigh CSA increased 50% and 6.5%, respectively. Additionally, voluntary torque/CSA increased 12% in both the EX and CN groups (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, these data suggest that whole muscle strength and size are not enhanced with a postexercise daily provision of an oral amino-acid complex during 12 wk of PRT in older men.
Human Performance Laboratory, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306, USA.
Michael P
MP
Godard
David L
DL
Williamson
Scott W
SW
Trappe
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D000601:Amino Acids, Essential / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology
D000601:Amino Acids, Essential; D002241:Carbohydrates