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Whey protein and high-volume resistance training in postmenopausal women

The journal of nutrition, health & aging volume 19, pages 511–517 (2015)Cite this article

Abstract

Objectives

To examine the combined effects of whey protein supplementation and low intensity, high-volume resistance training in healthy postmenopausal women.

Design, setting and subjects

Postmenopausal women (n=12; age: 57 ± 4.7 years, weight: 75 ± 17.4 kg, height: 163 ± 5.5 cm, body mass index: 28.3 ± 7.0) consumed whey protein (4 × 10 gram aliquots) or placebo (maltodextrin) during unilateral resistance training sessions 2 days per week (Monday, Thursday) and consumed the opposite beverage during training the other side of the body on alternating days (Tuesday, Friday) for 10 weeks. Participants performed 3 sets at 30% baseline 1-repetition maximum (1RM) to volitional muscle fatigue for 4 exercises (leg curl, biceps curl, leg extension, triceps extension). Prior to and following training, assessments were made for upper and lower limb lean tissue mass (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry), muscle thickness of the elbow and knee flexors and extensors (ultrasound) and muscle strength (1RM leg curl, biceps curl, leg extension, triceps extension).

Results

There was a significant increase over time for muscle strength (biceps curl, leg extension, triceps extension; P = 0.006) and muscle thickness (elbow flexors and extensors; P = 0.022) with no differences between whey protein and placebo.

Conclusions

High volume resistance training is effective for improving some indices of muscle mass and strength in postmenopausal women, but the strategic ingestion of whey protein during training sessions does not augment this response.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Kinesiology & Health Studies, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina SK, S4S 0A2, Canada

    K. D. Weisgarber & Darren G. Candow

  2. College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Canada, S7N 5B2

    J. P. Farthing

Authors
  1. K. D. Weisgarber
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  2. Darren G. Candow
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  3. J. P. Farthing
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Correspondence to Darren G. Candow.

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Weisgarber, K.D., Candow, D.G. & Farthing, J.P. Whey protein and high-volume resistance training in postmenopausal women. J Nutr Health Aging 19, 511–517 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-015-0454-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-015-0454-7

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