Contraction mode and whey protein intake affect the synthesis rate of intramuscular connective tissue

Muscle Nerve. 2017 Jan;55(1):128-130. doi: 10.1002/mus.25398. Epub 2016 Sep 26.

Abstract

Introduction: In this study we investigated the impact of whey protein hydrolysate and maltodextrin (WPH) intake on intramuscular connective tissue (IMCT) protein fractional synthesis rate (FSR) after maximal shortening and lengthening contractions.

Methods: Twenty young men were randomized to receive either WPH or maltodextrin [carbohydrate (CHO)] immediately after completion of unilateral shortening and lengthening knee extensions. Ring-13 C6 -phenylalanine was infused, and muscle biopsies were obtained. IMCT protein FSR was measured at 1-5, as well as 1-3 and 3-5 hours after contractions and nutrient intake.

Results: During the 1-3-hour recovery, lengthening contractions resulted in a higher FSR than shortening contractions (P < 0.01), independent of supplementation type and, during the 3-5-hour recovery, WPH had a higher FSR than CHO (P < 0.05), independent of prior contraction mode.

Conclusions: The later appearance of a stimulating effect of WPH on the IMCT FSR after strenuous muscle contractions lends support to its ability to promote recovery of the muscle connective tissue matrix after exercise. Muscle Nerve 55: 128-130, 2017.

Keywords: concentric contraction; eccentric contraction; fractional synthesis rate; milk protein; muscle collagen; resistance exercise.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Connective Tissue / drug effects*
  • Connective Tissue / metabolism*
  • Functional Laterality
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Contraction / physiology
  • Muscle Proteins / metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / cytology*
  • Phenylalanine
  • Polysaccharides / pharmacology*
  • Whey Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Whey Proteins / metabolism
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Muscle Proteins
  • Polysaccharides
  • Whey Proteins
  • Phenylalanine
  • maltodextrin