Effects of Fasting-Mimicking Diet on Central and Peripheral Components of Fatigue, Muscular Resistance

Effects of Fasting-mimicking Diet on Central and Peripheral Components of Fatigue, Muscular Resistance

The aim of the study is to test a Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) for its efficacy on improving muscular resistance and endurance. The investigators will perform a randomized clinical trial to test the efficacy of the FMD on improving muscular strength, muscular resistance and endurance in physically active young adults (18-40 years of age). The study will include two arms: Placebo (Placebo diet) and FMD (3 cycles of 5-day fasting-mimicking diet within two months). Study endpoints will include muscular strength evaluation of lower limbs, cardio-pulmonary responses, neuromuscular function and muscle architecture. Subjects will be evaluated 4 times within 3 months: at baseline (T1), after the 1st cycle of diet (T2), 7 to 15 days after the 3rd cycle of diet maintaining baseline intensity (T3) and with re-assessment of Peak Power Output (T4).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male sex;
• Age Range: 18-40 years old;
• Body Mass Index (BMI) range between 18.5 and 30;
• METs minutes per week - calculated by International physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) - between 600 and 3000.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Female sex;
• History of muscle, joints and nerves injuries to the upper and/or lower limbs in the previous 12 months;
• Body Mass Index (BMI) below 18.5 and above 30;
• METs minutes per week - calculated by International physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) - below 600 or above 3000.