The LEAP Study: longitudinal effects of protein supplementation and activity on muscular performance in older adults

What is the purpose of this research?

The research aims to investigate whether older adults find it acceptable and practical to drink daily a protein beverage for 12 weeks. It also aims to investigate whether adding weekly strength training sessions is acceptable and practical for people who are not used to this type of exercise. Finally, the research aims to explore whether combining the beverage with the exercise program affects muscle health in older adults

Are you looking for people like me?

You may be eligible to participate in this research project if you meet the following criteria:

• aged 65 or over
• physically independent (can perform everyday activities without needing physical assistance from others)
• have no medical condition that may impair your ability to safely perform exercise (liver, cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal or digestive diseases)
• not performing strength exercises more than 2x/week for the past 3 months
• have no dairy, gluten, nuts, soy allergies/intolerances
• have not taken part in a nutrition or exercise clinical trial within the past 6 months
• not taking, or have taken within the past 3 months, any protein supplements consumed between meals (e.g., protein shakes) typically containing more than 20g protein/serve.

Online access (internet) is required to participate in this study.

What will you ask me to do?

You will be asked to:

• consume 250mL of a protein beverage each day for 12 weeks
• participate in strength exercise sessions at QUT Sport Fitness Centre, Kelvin Grove campus, 2x/week for 12 weeks
• complete online forms about beverage liking and quality of life
• complete body mass measurements, muscle strength tests, everyday activity tasks and food recall twice during the study.

Are there any risks for me in taking part?

There may be some risks involved in taking part in this study:

• mild gastrointestinal discomfort (e.g., bloating, gas) due to the beverage
• temporary muscle soreness due to the exercise sessions.

The protein beverage is made from standard ingredients that are considered safe for older adults. Any side effects related to the beverage will be recorded during the trial. The first two exercise sessions will be supervised by a qualified Exercise Physiologist, who will ensure exercises are performed safely. Each session will include a warm-up and cool-down to support muscle recovery. The research team will be available at all stages of the trial to record any side effects or address any concerns.

Are there any benefits for me in taking part?

This research project may provide you with insights into your muscle health and how it responds to the beverage and exercise sessions.

You will receive free QUT Kelvin Grove gym membership for 12 weeks (only 2 sessions per week) with a protein beverage all free of any costs each week, for 12 weeks if you continue participating in the exercise sessions.

However, it is possible that there will be no direct health benefits from participating in this study.

Will I be compensated for my time?

To acknowledge your time and involvement, you will receive a $50 Visa gift card upon completing at least 20 exercise sessions and attending your final visit at QUT for the final data collection.

I am interested - what should I do next?

If you or someone you know is interested, please complete the screening form (link below)

Screening form

If the link above does not work, try copying the link below into your web browser:
https://redcap.ihbi.qut.edu.au/surveys/?s=J8HAA9EYWJ8XLPW4

If you have any questions, please contact me via: lisa.arvieu@hdr.qut.edu.au.