Vegan or Animal Protein Ingestion on the Recovery of Muscle Function Following Exercise

The Effect of Vegan or Animal Protein Ingestion on the Recovery of Skeletal Muscle Function Following Strenuous Exercise

This study will assess the effect of daily post-exercise vegan (pea) and animal (whey) protein ingestion compared to placebo over 7 days of recovery from strenuous exercise. Muscle strength and soreness will be measured daily, and mechanisms underpinning recovery will be investigated in muscle biopsies taken 3, 24 and 48 hours after exercise.

Strenuous exercise can cause muscle soreness and reduced muscle strength. It is widely acknowledged that nutritional supplements derived from animal protein sources, including whey from milk, aids recovery when taken immediately after strenuous exercise. However, the effect of vegan protein supplements are less understood, and how they affect recovery of strength and soreness is not known. This is an important area of research due to the increasing demand for plant-based protein.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Recreationally active
• 18-40 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

• Regular and structured involvement in resistance training
• Inactive participants
• Habitual dietary protein intake <0.8g/kg bw/day and >2.0g/kg bw/day
• Use of nutritional supplements
• Any diagnosed metabolic conditions (diabetes), cardiovascular disease or hypertension
• Current musculoskeletal injury
• Use of anti-inflammatory medicines
• Individuals with non -removable metallic implants (including heart pacemaker, cochlea implants, medication pumps, surgical clips, plates or screws) or claustrophobia
• Individuals with an allergy to egg, fish, wheat or soy ingredients as the product is manufactured in a facility that contains these ingredients