AMINO ACID SUPPLEMENTATION AND MUSCLE

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Our previous investigations in younger individuals demonstrated that minimal resistance exercise and nutritional supplementation with essential amino acids can maintain lean body mass (LBM) and preserve or diminish the loss of muscle function. Therefore, the goal of this project is to examine the effects of essential amino acids alone or in combination with resistance or walking exercise on muscle protein metabolism, LBM and muscle function in older individuals. The purpose of the study is to determine how the elderly's muscle and hormonal system respond to 10 days of bedrest. The study will also determine if amino acid (protein) supplementation and exercise can reduce muscle loss and maintain muscle function during 10 days of bedrest. We propose to study three groups of older men and women (65-80 years) before, during, and after 10 days of bedrest: 1) will receive three supplements per day of EAA alone (EAA), 2) will receive the same EAA supplementation plus three sessions of resistance exercise throughout bedrest (EAA+RE), and 3) will receive EAA supplementation plus the standard-of-care daily walking exercise (EAA+WE). We will examine the hypotheses that the combination of EAA and these exercise regimens will be more effective in preserving muscle protein synthesis, LBM, and muscle function than either intervention alone. Further, we propose that combination of these interventions will expedite recovery from bedrest. Finally, we propose that these interventions, or combination of interventions, will be effective in maintaining muscle protein synthesis, muscle mass, and function in the elderly.