Does nutritional supplementation influence adaptability of muscle to resistance training in men aged 48 to 72 years.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Isotonic strength training can result in neuromuscular improvements evidenced in other forms of muscular effort, ie, isokinetic or isometric, especially in young subjects; however, it is unclear if older muscle maintains this same adaptive ability. Additionally, it is not known if the benefits of resistance training can be augmented by creatine and protein supplementation in older men. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess changes in isokinetic parameters at varying speeds in men aged 48 to 72 years (mean=57+/-2.1) following 16 weeks of isotonic resistance training and creatine and/or protein supplementation.

METHODS: Forty-two male subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 training groups: (1) resistance training placebo (n=10), (2) resistance trained creatine supplemented (n=10), (3) resistance trained protein supplemented (n=11), and (4) resistance trained creatine and protein supplemented (n=11). The program consisted of progressive overload resistance training (3 d/wk) and supplement consumption following the workout.

RESULTS: There were significant time effects (P>.05) for peak torque (PT), time to PT, and average power for both the knee extensors and flexors at all velocities. However, no significant group or group by time interactions were noted, indicating that the supplementation protocols had no added benefits.

CONCLUSIONS: Men aged 48 to 72 years maintained their ability to improve isokinetic muscle function following isotonic training, however, supplementation did not enhance muscle adaptability.