None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
As we age, there is an increase in body fat that causes low-grade inflammation. Additionally, a subsequent decrease in muscle mass and strength leads to a functional decline, hindering daily activities over time. This decline in muscle function is called sarcopenia. We can slow down its progression and improve the quality of life with two simple measures – improve our protein intake and engage in strength training. However, strength training causes exercise-induced muscle damage that triggers a release of inflammatory markers and can increase the pre-existing inflammation. Curcumin – the active compound in turmeric – is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It has the potential to decrease low-grade inflammation and improve exercise-induced muscle damage. On the other hand, whey protein has been shown to increase muscle mass and strength when consumed within 30 min post-workout. Thus, this project aims to combine whey protein isolate and curcumin, an anti-inflammatory agent, to obtain a combined effect that increases muscle mass and strength and decreases inflammation, ultimately improving physical performance in older adults. Participants will be recruited through retirement villages and will be divided into three treatment groups - (a) curcumin-fortified whey protein beverage group, (b) whey protein group, or (c) placebo group. A baseline assessment for anthropometry measures and physical performance will be conducted at the retirement village. This will be followed by eight weeks of strength training sessions (3 sessions per week - 24 strength training sessions) and consumption of the assigned beverage after completing the session at the retirement village. Reassessments of all the baseline measures will be conducted at the end of 8 weeks of intervention. Participants can also volunteer to participate in focus groups before and after the trial.
Interventions
BMM Study is a randomised, controlled 8-week intervention trial designed to examine the effect of curcumin-fortified whey protein beverage supplementation and strength training sessions on physical performance in healthy older adults aged 65-80 years living independently at retirement villages across Auckland, New Zealand.
This study will take place in retirement villages, and participants will engage in the intervention from their respective villages. Thus, there are no visits to the lab.
E
BMM Study is a randomised, controlled 8-week intervention trial designed to examine the effect of curcumin-fortified whey protein beverage supplementation and strength training sessions on physical performance in healthy older adults aged 65-80 years living independently at retirement villages across Auckland, New Zealand. This study will take place in retirement villages, and participants will engage in the intervention from their respective villages. Thus, there are no visits to the lab. Enrolled participants will be assigned to any one of the three beverage groups: (a) curcumin-fortified whey protein beverage group, (b) whey protein group, or (c) placebo group. A research team consisting of coordinating investigator and research assistants will come to the retirement village to conduct a baseline assessment of anthropometry measures and physical performance. After completing the baseline assessment, a certified personal trainer will come to the retirement village three times a week for eight weeks to conduct strength training sessions. Strength training sessions will be about 45 mins to 1 hour long, and use medium and heavy strength resistance bands for the exercises. Exercises will include resistance band seated row, banded squats, resistance band lateral raise (to name a few) - 4 sets of 15-20 reps with medium resistance bands for weeks 1-4. The exercises will progress to resistance band bicep curl, banded front & side lateral raises, resistance band push-ups with taps, step-ups, and more – 3 sets of 10-20 reps with the heavy resistance band. Exercises will vary from week to week to add variety to the sessions. Strength training sessions will take place in groups of no more than 10 participants at the retirement village. Participants will consume the assigned supplement under the personal trainer’s supervision and fill out a training log within 30 mins of completing every strength training session i.e., three sessions per week: a total of 24 sessions across eight weeks. Participants will receive the powdered supplement in the form of sachets that will be mixed with 250-300 ml of water. At the end of 8 weeks, our research team will again come to the retirement village to conduct a reassessment of all baseline measures, and that would be marked as the completion of the trial. Fortified whey protein beverage will contain 15 g of protein and 150 mg of curcumin, whey protein beverage will contain 15 g of protein and yellow food colour, and placebo beverage will contain maltodextrin and yellow food colour. All beverages will be isocaloric.
Sponsors
Massey University
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject, Caregiver)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
65 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Participants must be proficient in English and must be between the ages of 65-80 years old. They should have not engaged in strength training or consumed protein and curcumin supplements in the last 6 months. They must be able to provide a medical clearance from GP to be eligible to take part in this trial.
Exclusion criteria
Potential healthy participants will be excluded if they are smokers. Further, participants will be excluded if they are on any prescribed medication for diseases related to kidneys, pancreas, liver, etc. and other chronic diseases. They will also be excluded if they have had knee/joint injuries in the past six months and are on the management of osteoarthritis through medication.
Outcome results
None listed