title: The effects of high-load strength training with protein- or nonprotein-containing nutritional supplementation in patients undergoing dialysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of high-load strength training and protein intake in patients undergoing dialysis with a focus on muscle strength, physical performance, and muscle morphology.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a randomized controlled study conducted in three dialysis centers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Subjects for the study included 29 patients undergoing dialysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The participants went through a control period of 16 weeks before completing 16 weeks of strength training. Before the training period, the participants were randomly assigned to receive a protein or a nonprotein drink after every training session.
  
  
  METHODS
  Muscle strength and power were tested using the good strength equipment and the leg extensor power rig. Physical performance and function were assessed using a chair stand test and the Short Form 36 questionnaire. Muscle fiber type size and composition were analyzed in biopsies obtained from the m. vastus lateralis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All variables remained unchanged during the control period. After training, muscle strength and power, physical performance, and physical function increased significantly. Muscle fiber composition was changed by a relative decrease in type 2x muscle fiber number whereas muscle size at the fiber level was unchanged. There were no effects of combining the training with protein intake.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  High-load strength training is associated with improvements in muscle strength and power, physical performance, and quality of life. The effects were surprisingly not associated with muscle hypertrophy, and the results did not reveal any additional benefit of combining the training with protein intake. The positive results in muscle strength and physical performance have clinically relevant implications in the treatment of patients undergoing dialysis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal and Veterinary Basic Sciences, LIFE, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark. stimo@hih.regionh.dk
authors.forename: Stig
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Molsted
authors.forename: Adrian P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.forename: Inge
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Eidemak
authors.forename: Jesper L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Andersen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D055070:Resistance Training; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D004044:Dietary Proteins