None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This blinded, randomised controlled trial (RCT) will assess the effects of 90 days of protein beverage supplementation and resistance training on cardiovascular health and physical function in post-ischemic stroke survivors. Sixty participants, aged 45-80 years, from Auckland's stroke and aphasia support groups, clinics, and Massey University Albany's volunteer database will be recruited. Participants must have had an ischemic stroke 1-15 years prior, have a BMI between 18 and 35 kg/m², and avoid structured fitness protocols or high-protein supplements above regular consumption. The study has two phases: Phase 1 will focus on acute effects, assessing cardiovascular markers and amino acid profiles following a single dose of whey protein beverage at Days 1, 45, and 90, while Phase 2 will evaluate chronic effects of resistance training and/or whey protein supplementation over 90 days. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: placebo (PLA), resistance training plus placebo (RT-PLA), and resistance training plus whey protein (RT-WP). Participants in the RT-PLA and RT-WP groups will undergo structured resistance training three times a week, followed by their assigned beverage. The PLA group will receive the placebo beverage without resistance training. Cardiovascular health and physical function will be assessed at baseline (Day 1), mid-study (Day 45), and post-study (Day 90).
Interventions
Design and groups
Randomised, controlled, partially blinded, three-arm trial with 1:1:1 allocation:
• PLA (placebo only): isocaloric carbohydrate beverage; no resistance training.
• RT-PLA: resistance training + isocaloric carbohydrate beverage.
• RT-WP: resistance training + whey protein hydrolysate beverage.
Phasing
Two phases run concurrently with the same participants and timepoints (Day 1, Day 45, Day 90).
Phase 1 (Acute in-lab challenge):
• Participants arrive fasted (nil-by-mouth except w
Design and groups Randomised, controlled, partially blinded, three-arm trial with 1:1:1 allocation: • PLA (placebo only): isocaloric carbohydrate beverage; no resistance training. • RT-PLA: resistance training + isocaloric carbohydrate beverage. • RT-WP: resistance training + whey protein hydrolysate beverage. Phasing Two phases run concurrently with the same participants and timepoints (Day 1, Day 45, Day 90). Phase 1 (Acute in-lab challenge): • Participants arrive fasted (nil-by-mouth except water for 8 h). • After baseline measures, all participants consume a standardised whey protein hydrolysate beverage (20 g; Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed). • Blood and cardiovascular measures are collected at 30 min, 1 h, and 3 h post-consumption. Phase 2 (Home-based 90-day intervention): • RT-WP: Home-based resistance training (3×/week for 90 days) + 20 g whey protein hydrolysate within 30 min post-session. • RT-PLA: Same training schedule + isocaloric maltodextrin beverage within 30 min post-session. • PLA: No structured training; maltodextrin beverage 3×/week at a consistent morning time (07:00–10:00). Resistance training protocol • Sessions 45–60 min, 3×/week for 12 weeks (36 sessions). Exercises include banded seated rows, chest press, leg press, leg extension, and biceps curl. • Intensity: moderate (RPE 11–13). Load progression every ~2 weeks. • Sessions performed at home with elastic bands; participants receive familiarisation at baseline and weekly remote check-ins. • Program designed and progressed by the coordinating investigator (certified personal trainer/exercise professional). • Adherence/fidelity monitoring: Logbooks (sessions completed, beverage timing, RPE, notes). Sachet accountability (count/return of used/unused sachets at Day 45 & Day 90). Beverage protocol • Pre-weighed coded sachets (20 g whey protein hydrolysate or isocaloric maltodextrin) in identical flavour/appearance. • Mixed with 250–300 mL water and consumed immediately.
Sponsors
Massey university
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
45 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Aged 45-80 years Medical clearance from GP Experienced an ischemic stroke at least one year prior BMI between 18 and 35 kg/m²
Exclusion criteria
Severe cognitive impairment or inability to follow study procedures. Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease or other serious medical conditions. Currently participating in another clinical trial or intervention that could interfere with the study. Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Severe musculoskeletal conditions that would limit participation in physical activities. History of allergy or adverse reactions to whey protein or any study supplement ingredients.
Outcome results
None listed