Effects of Whey and Soy Protein Supplementation with a 9 Month Progressive Resistance Training Program on Intracellular Signaling Pathways of Muscle Protein Synthesis

Abstract

Introduction: Resistance training and protein supplementation have been shown to synergistically stimulate the Akt cascade in human skeletal muscle. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of a combined protein supplementation protocol combined with a 9 month progressive resistance training protocol on the changes in intracellular signaling of protein synthesis. Methods: 19 healthy, young, non-obese sedentary individuals were recruited for participation and randomly assigned to either consume a whey, soy, or placebo group to complete a 9 month progressive resistance training protocol. Muscle biopsies were collected before and 10 minutes after an acute resistance exercise bout before resistance and upon completion of the resistance training program. Results: There was no significant changes in the stimulation of Akt, p70s6k, or 4ebp1 pre-resistance training protocol versus post-resistance training program and regardless of supplementation group. No significant differences were seen in the basal activity levels of Akt, p70s6k, or 4EBP1. No significant strength gains in bilateral leg extension regardless of treatment group. Conclusion: Protein supplementation combined with a 9 month resistance training protocol does not change skeletal muscle's response to an acute resistance exercise bout.