Lindsay Macnaughton | Durham University (original) (raw)

Papers by Lindsay Macnaughton

Research paper thumbnail of Human skeletal muscle metabolic responses to 6 days of high‐fat overfeeding are associated with dietary n‐3PUFA content and muscle oxidative capacity

Physiological Reports, Aug 1, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Variances in Strength and Conditioning Practice in Elite Rugby Union Between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Dec 1, 2017

The strength and conditioning (S&C) practices in elite Rugby Union (RU) have previously been deta... more The strength and conditioning (S&C) practices in elite Rugby Union (RU) have previously been detailed. There is also research which indicates playing styles can differ between Northern hemisphere (NH) and Southern hemisphere (SH) teams. It is not presently known if these variances in playing styles are reflected in the S&C practices of those supporting NH and SH teams. As such, the present study examines any variances in S&C practices between those supporting NH and SH elite level teams. A validated questionnaire was employed that comprised 7 sections; personal details, physical testing, strength and power development, concurrent training, unique aspects of the programme and any further relevant information regarding prescribed training programmes. Forty (20 NH, 20 SH, 38 male, 2 female; 33.0 ± 5.5 y) of 52 (77%) coaches responded to the questionnaire. All practitioners worked with international level and/or professional RU athletes. The primary variances in S&C practice between NH and SH coaches included; utilization of differing tests of anaerobic capacity and cardiovascular endurance and differing prescription of compound and Olympic lifts. Also, NH coaches placed a greater emphasis on strength and power training while SH coaches had a more objective approach to determining strength training loads. Furthermore SH practitioners placed more emphasis on integration when compared with NH practitioners. Other aspects of S&C practice detailed in this article appear to be similar between Northern and Southern hemisphere practitioners. This research represents the only published survey to date of differing S&C practices in Northern and Southern hemisphere RU.

Research paper thumbnail of Topic 3. Protein requirements and recommendations for athletes: arguments for practical recommendations

INSEP-Éditions eBooks, 2015

Protein plays an integral role in the growth and repair of tissues, making it an important part o... more Protein plays an integral role in the growth and repair of tissues, making it an important part of the human diet. Protein requirements are designed to prevent deficiencies; however, athletes look to use protein as a tool for increasing adaptations to training. Therefore, we suggest that protein recommendations are more useful than proteins requirements for athletes and coaches. Challenges exist in making protein recommendations for large groups of athletes due to differences in athlete type, sport, position, goals and training. Ideally, protein recommendations should be made on an individual basis. A number of general strategies can be employed to maximize the impact of protein on training adaptations. These considerations include the amount of protein to consume, timing of protein ingestion (both throughout the day and in relation to exercise), the type of protein consumed and the impact of co-ingestion of other nutrients

Research paper thumbnail of Protein Considerations for Optimising Skeletal Muscle Mass in Healthy Young and Older Adults

Research paper thumbnail of Milk protein ingestion does not enhance recovery from muscle-damaging resistance exercise in untrained males and females: a randomized controlled trial

Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, Jun 1, 2023

Milk-based proteins are a common choice of post-exercise nutrition to enhance exercise recovery a... more Milk-based proteins are a common choice of post-exercise nutrition to enhance exercise recovery and adaptation. Peri-exercise milk protein ingestion may attenuate exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), which is a particular risk to untrained individuals. However, most research has been conducted with males, and due to potential sex differences in EIMD, research with both sexes is required. This parallel-group randomized controlled trial examined the impact of milk protein ingestion on recovery from EIMD. Untrained males and females performed a single bout of leg-based resistance exercise and consumed a milk protein (MILK-PRO: n = 4 males, n = 8 females) or isoenergetic control (CON: n = 4 males, n = 8 females) supplement over 4 days post-exercise (17 doses total). Maximum strength was assessed ≥3 wk pre- and 72 and 168 h post-exercise, and measures of leg circumference, range of motion, muscle soreness, pressure-pain threshold (PPT), and serum creatine kinase concentration ([CK]) were conducted pre-, immediately post-, and 24, 48, 72, and 168 h post-exercise. Resistance exercise induced mild muscle damage that was not attenuated with MILK-PRO relative to CON. Peak increases in [CK] and reductions in PPT were greater in males compared with females. Changes in other markers were comparable between sexes. We conclude that moderate resistance exercise in naïve individuals induces muscle damage without compromising muscle strength. We support sex differences in EIMD and emphasize the need for further research with both sexes. Milk protein ingestion was not beneficial for recovery from EIMD, thus alternative management strategies should be investigated. This trial was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov PRS (protocol ID: 290580A).

Research paper thumbnail of Sex differences in the impact of resistance exercise load on muscle damage: A protocol for a randomised parallel group trial

Research paper thumbnail of Strength and Conditioning and Concurrent Training Practices in Elite Rugby Union

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Dec 1, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Resistance Exercise Sustains p70S6K1 Activity in Response to Protein Ingestion at 4 hours

Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, May 1, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of The impact of dietary protein supplementation on recovery from resistance exercise-induced muscle damage: A systematic review with meta-analysis

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Dec 13, 2022

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether dietary protein consumption can attenuate resistance exercise-i... more BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether dietary protein consumption can attenuate resistance exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Managing EIMD may accelerate muscle recovery and allow frequent, high-quality exercise to promote muscle adaptations. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the impact of peri-exercise protein supplementation on resistance EIMD. METHODS: A literature search was conducted on PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science up to March 2021 for relevant articles. PEDro criteria were used to assess bias within included studies. A Hedges' g effect size (ES) was calculated for indirect markers of EIMD at h post-exercise. Weighted ESs were included in a random effects model to determine overall ESs over time. RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies were included in the systematic review and 40 trials were included in ≥1 meta-analyses (16 total). There were significant overall effects of protein for preserving isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) at 96 h (0.563 [0.232, 0.894]) and isokinetic MVC at 24 h (0.639 [0.116, 1.162]), 48 h (0.447 [0.104, 0.790]), and 72 h (0.569 [0.136, 1.002]). Overall ESs were large in favour of protein for attenuating creatine kinase concentration at 48 h (0.836 [−0.001, 1.673]) and 72 h (1.335 [0.294, 2.376]). Protein supplementation had no effect on muscle soreness compared with the control. CONCLUSION: Peri-exercise protein consumption could help maintain maximal strength and lower creatine kinase concentration following resistance exercise but not reduce muscle soreness. Conflicting data may be due to methodological divergencies between studies. Standardised methods and data reporting for EIMD research are needed.

Research paper thumbnail of Milk protein ingestion does not enhance recovery from muscle-damaging resistance exercise in untrained males and females: a randomized controlled trial

Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism

Milk-based proteins are a common choice of post-exercise nutrition to enhance exercise recovery a... more Milk-based proteins are a common choice of post-exercise nutrition to enhance exercise recovery and adaptation. Peri-exercise milk protein ingestion may attenuate exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), which is a particular risk to untrained individuals. However, most research has been conducted with males, and due to potential sex differences in EIMD, research with both sexes is required. This parallel-group randomized controlled trial examined the impact of milk protein ingestion on recovery from EIMD. Untrained males and females performed a single bout of leg-based resistance exercise and consumed a milk protein (MILK-PRO: n = 4 males, n = 8 females) or isoenergetic control (CON: n = 4 males, n = 8 females) supplement over 4 days post-exercise (17 doses total). Maximum strength was assessed ≥3 wk pre- and 72 and 168 h post-exercise, and measures of leg circumference, range of motion, muscle soreness, pressure-pain threshold (PPT), and serum creatine kinase concentration ([CK]) we...

Research paper thumbnail of Best practice recommendations for body composition considerations in sport to reduce health and performance risks: a critical review, original survey and expert opinion by a subgroup of the IOC consensus on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs)

British Journal of Sports Medicine, Aug 31, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of The relationship of lean body mass and protein feeding : the science behind the practice

The development of lean body mass (LBM) is closely linked to protein feeding. Along with resistan... more The development of lean body mass (LBM) is closely linked to protein feeding. Along with resistance exercise protein feeding, or amino acid provision, stimulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS). Repeated stimulation of MPS above protein breakdown results in lean mass accretion. Many athletes aim to build or maintain LBM. The aim of this thesis was to better understand the relationship between LBM and protein feeding in trained individuals. This aim was studied in the applied setting and at whole body, muscle and molecular level. Chapter 2 revealed differences in total body mass and LBM between young rugby union players competing at different playing standards. Protein consumption was higher in players that played at a higher standard. The protein consumption of players at both playing standards was higher than current protein recommendations for athletes. The Under 20 (U20) rugby union players in Chapter 3 also consumed more protein than current recommendations state. Their dietary habits changed depending on their environment and they consumed more protein while in Six Nations (6N) camp compared with out of camp. Also, there were changes in dietary habits for individuals, however, those changes did not occur at the group level. Using the camp as an education tool for good nutrition habits could be advantageous. As a group, rugby union players' body composition did not change from pre to post a 6N tournament. However, there was individual variation, which could be meaningful for the individual players. We provide evidence suggesting that in elite sport, athletes should be considered as individuals as well as part of a group if appropriate.

Research paper thumbnail of Topic 3. Protein requirements and recommendations for athletes: arguments for practical recommendations

Protein plays an integral role in the growth and repair of tissues, making it an important part o... more Protein plays an integral role in the growth and repair of tissues, making it an important part of the human diet. Protein requirements are designed to prevent deficiencies; however, athletes look to use protein as a tool for increasing adaptations to training. Therefore, we suggest that protein recommendations are more useful than proteins requirements for athletes and coaches. Challenges exist in making protein recommendations for large groups of athletes due to differences in athlete type, sport, position, goals and training. Ideally, protein recommendations should be made on an individual basis. A number of general strategies can be employed to maximize the impact of protein on training adaptations. These considerations include the amount of protein to consume, timing of protein ingestion (both throughout the day and in relation to exercise), the type of protein consumed and the impact of co-ingestion of other nutrients

Research paper thumbnail of The impact of dietary protein supplementation on recovery from resistance exercise-induced muscle damage: A systematic review with meta-analysis

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Dec 13, 2022

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether dietary protein consumption can attenuate resistance exercise-i... more BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether dietary protein consumption can attenuate resistance exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Managing EIMD may accelerate muscle recovery and allow frequent, high-quality exercise to promote muscle adaptations. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the impact of peri-exercise protein supplementation on resistance EIMD. METHODS: A literature search was conducted on PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science up to March 2021 for relevant articles. PEDro criteria were used to assess bias within included studies. A Hedges' g effect size (ES) was calculated for indirect markers of EIMD at h post-exercise. Weighted ESs were included in a random effects model to determine overall ESs over time. RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies were included in the systematic review and 40 trials were included in ≥1 meta-analyses (16 total). There were significant overall effects of protein for preserving isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) at 96 h (0.563 [0.232, 0.894]) and isokinetic MVC at 24 h (0.639 [0.116, 1.162]), 48 h (0.447 [0.104, 0.790]), and 72 h (0.569 [0.136, 1.002]). Overall ESs were large in favour of protein for attenuating creatine kinase concentration at 48 h (0.836 [−0.001, 1.673]) and 72 h (1.335 [0.294, 2.376]). Protein supplementation had no effect on muscle soreness compared with the control. CONCLUSION: Peri-exercise protein consumption could help maintain maximal strength and lower creatine kinase concentration following resistance exercise but not reduce muscle soreness. Conflicting data may be due to methodological divergencies between studies. Standardised methods and data reporting for EIMD research are needed.

Research paper thumbnail of Sex differences in the impact of resistance exercise load on muscle damage: A protocol for a randomised parallel group trial

PLOS ONE

Introduction Resistance training can induce skeletal muscle hypertrophy and strength gains, but i... more Introduction Resistance training can induce skeletal muscle hypertrophy and strength gains, but is also associated with acute muscle damage, characterised by muscle soreness, impaired muscle function, and structural damage to muscle cell membranes and its components. These consequences can be detrimental to future exercise performance and dampen long-term training adaptations. Previous research has considered resistance exercise intensity as a factor in exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), though a clear direction of the findings has not yet been established. Further, female populations are heavily underrepresented in this field of study. Therefore, we here propose a study protocol designed to examine sex differences in the muscle damage response to resistance exercise performed with low or high loads in a population of untrained, young adults. Methods This study will employ a randomised parallel group design. Twenty-four males and 24 females will perform an acute leg-based resist...

Research paper thumbnail of Human skeletal muscle metabolic responses to 6 days of high‐fat overfeeding are associated with dietary n‐3PUFA content and muscle oxidative capacity

Physiological Reports, 2020

This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which... more This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Research paper thumbnail of Six days high fat overfeeding alters skeletal muscle ceramide expression prior to changes in whole body insulin sensitivity in young healthy males

Research paper thumbnail of Pattern of protein ingestion to maximise muscle protein synthesis after resistance exercise

The Journal of Physiology, Jun 1, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Variances In Strength And Conditioning Practice In Elite Rugby Union Between The Northern And Southern Hemispheres

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Dec 1, 2017

The strength and conditioning (S&C) practices in elite Rugby Union (RU) have previously been deta... more The strength and conditioning (S&C) practices in elite Rugby Union (RU) have previously been detailed. There is also research which indicates playing styles can differ between Northern hemisphere (NH) and Southern hemisphere (SH) teams. It is not presently known if these variances in playing styles are reflected in the S&C practices of those supporting NH and SH teams. As such, the present study examines any variances in S&C practices between those supporting NH and SH elite level teams. A validated questionnaire was employed that comprised 7 sections; personal details, physical testing, strength and power development, concurrent training, unique aspects of the programme and any further relevant information regarding prescribed training programmes. Forty (20 NH, 20 SH, 38 male, 2 female; 33.0 ± 5.5 y) of 52 (77%) coaches responded to the questionnaire. All practitioners worked with international level and/or professional RU athletes. The primary variances in S&C practice between NH and SH coaches included; utilization of differing tests of anaerobic capacity and cardiovascular endurance and differing prescription of compound and Olympic lifts. Also, NH coaches placed a greater emphasis on strength and power training while SH coaches had a more objective approach to determining strength training loads. Furthermore SH practitioners placed more emphasis on integration when compared with NH practitioners. Other aspects of S&C practice detailed in this article appear to be similar between Northern and Southern hemisphere practitioners. This research represents the only published survey to date of differing S&C practices in Northern and Southern hemisphere RU.

Research paper thumbnail of Commentaries on Viewpoint: What is the relationship between acute measure of muscle protein synthesis and changes in muscle mass?

Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), Jan 15, 2015

changes in muscle mass? and between acute measure of muscle protein synthesis Commentaries on Vie... more changes in muscle mass? and between acute measure of muscle protein synthesis Commentaries on Viewpoint: What is the relationship You might find this additional info useful...

Research paper thumbnail of Human skeletal muscle metabolic responses to 6 days of high‐fat overfeeding are associated with dietary n‐3PUFA content and muscle oxidative capacity

Physiological Reports, Aug 1, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Variances in Strength and Conditioning Practice in Elite Rugby Union Between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Dec 1, 2017

The strength and conditioning (S&C) practices in elite Rugby Union (RU) have previously been deta... more The strength and conditioning (S&C) practices in elite Rugby Union (RU) have previously been detailed. There is also research which indicates playing styles can differ between Northern hemisphere (NH) and Southern hemisphere (SH) teams. It is not presently known if these variances in playing styles are reflected in the S&C practices of those supporting NH and SH teams. As such, the present study examines any variances in S&C practices between those supporting NH and SH elite level teams. A validated questionnaire was employed that comprised 7 sections; personal details, physical testing, strength and power development, concurrent training, unique aspects of the programme and any further relevant information regarding prescribed training programmes. Forty (20 NH, 20 SH, 38 male, 2 female; 33.0 ± 5.5 y) of 52 (77%) coaches responded to the questionnaire. All practitioners worked with international level and/or professional RU athletes. The primary variances in S&C practice between NH and SH coaches included; utilization of differing tests of anaerobic capacity and cardiovascular endurance and differing prescription of compound and Olympic lifts. Also, NH coaches placed a greater emphasis on strength and power training while SH coaches had a more objective approach to determining strength training loads. Furthermore SH practitioners placed more emphasis on integration when compared with NH practitioners. Other aspects of S&C practice detailed in this article appear to be similar between Northern and Southern hemisphere practitioners. This research represents the only published survey to date of differing S&C practices in Northern and Southern hemisphere RU.

Research paper thumbnail of Topic 3. Protein requirements and recommendations for athletes: arguments for practical recommendations

INSEP-Éditions eBooks, 2015

Protein plays an integral role in the growth and repair of tissues, making it an important part o... more Protein plays an integral role in the growth and repair of tissues, making it an important part of the human diet. Protein requirements are designed to prevent deficiencies; however, athletes look to use protein as a tool for increasing adaptations to training. Therefore, we suggest that protein recommendations are more useful than proteins requirements for athletes and coaches. Challenges exist in making protein recommendations for large groups of athletes due to differences in athlete type, sport, position, goals and training. Ideally, protein recommendations should be made on an individual basis. A number of general strategies can be employed to maximize the impact of protein on training adaptations. These considerations include the amount of protein to consume, timing of protein ingestion (both throughout the day and in relation to exercise), the type of protein consumed and the impact of co-ingestion of other nutrients

Research paper thumbnail of Protein Considerations for Optimising Skeletal Muscle Mass in Healthy Young and Older Adults

Research paper thumbnail of Milk protein ingestion does not enhance recovery from muscle-damaging resistance exercise in untrained males and females: a randomized controlled trial

Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, Jun 1, 2023

Milk-based proteins are a common choice of post-exercise nutrition to enhance exercise recovery a... more Milk-based proteins are a common choice of post-exercise nutrition to enhance exercise recovery and adaptation. Peri-exercise milk protein ingestion may attenuate exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), which is a particular risk to untrained individuals. However, most research has been conducted with males, and due to potential sex differences in EIMD, research with both sexes is required. This parallel-group randomized controlled trial examined the impact of milk protein ingestion on recovery from EIMD. Untrained males and females performed a single bout of leg-based resistance exercise and consumed a milk protein (MILK-PRO: n = 4 males, n = 8 females) or isoenergetic control (CON: n = 4 males, n = 8 females) supplement over 4 days post-exercise (17 doses total). Maximum strength was assessed ≥3 wk pre- and 72 and 168 h post-exercise, and measures of leg circumference, range of motion, muscle soreness, pressure-pain threshold (PPT), and serum creatine kinase concentration ([CK]) were conducted pre-, immediately post-, and 24, 48, 72, and 168 h post-exercise. Resistance exercise induced mild muscle damage that was not attenuated with MILK-PRO relative to CON. Peak increases in [CK] and reductions in PPT were greater in males compared with females. Changes in other markers were comparable between sexes. We conclude that moderate resistance exercise in naïve individuals induces muscle damage without compromising muscle strength. We support sex differences in EIMD and emphasize the need for further research with both sexes. Milk protein ingestion was not beneficial for recovery from EIMD, thus alternative management strategies should be investigated. This trial was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov PRS (protocol ID: 290580A).

Research paper thumbnail of Sex differences in the impact of resistance exercise load on muscle damage: A protocol for a randomised parallel group trial

Research paper thumbnail of Strength and Conditioning and Concurrent Training Practices in Elite Rugby Union

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Dec 1, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Resistance Exercise Sustains p70S6K1 Activity in Response to Protein Ingestion at 4 hours

Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, May 1, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of The impact of dietary protein supplementation on recovery from resistance exercise-induced muscle damage: A systematic review with meta-analysis

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Dec 13, 2022

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether dietary protein consumption can attenuate resistance exercise-i... more BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether dietary protein consumption can attenuate resistance exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Managing EIMD may accelerate muscle recovery and allow frequent, high-quality exercise to promote muscle adaptations. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the impact of peri-exercise protein supplementation on resistance EIMD. METHODS: A literature search was conducted on PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science up to March 2021 for relevant articles. PEDro criteria were used to assess bias within included studies. A Hedges' g effect size (ES) was calculated for indirect markers of EIMD at h post-exercise. Weighted ESs were included in a random effects model to determine overall ESs over time. RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies were included in the systematic review and 40 trials were included in ≥1 meta-analyses (16 total). There were significant overall effects of protein for preserving isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) at 96 h (0.563 [0.232, 0.894]) and isokinetic MVC at 24 h (0.639 [0.116, 1.162]), 48 h (0.447 [0.104, 0.790]), and 72 h (0.569 [0.136, 1.002]). Overall ESs were large in favour of protein for attenuating creatine kinase concentration at 48 h (0.836 [−0.001, 1.673]) and 72 h (1.335 [0.294, 2.376]). Protein supplementation had no effect on muscle soreness compared with the control. CONCLUSION: Peri-exercise protein consumption could help maintain maximal strength and lower creatine kinase concentration following resistance exercise but not reduce muscle soreness. Conflicting data may be due to methodological divergencies between studies. Standardised methods and data reporting for EIMD research are needed.

Research paper thumbnail of Milk protein ingestion does not enhance recovery from muscle-damaging resistance exercise in untrained males and females: a randomized controlled trial

Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism

Milk-based proteins are a common choice of post-exercise nutrition to enhance exercise recovery a... more Milk-based proteins are a common choice of post-exercise nutrition to enhance exercise recovery and adaptation. Peri-exercise milk protein ingestion may attenuate exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), which is a particular risk to untrained individuals. However, most research has been conducted with males, and due to potential sex differences in EIMD, research with both sexes is required. This parallel-group randomized controlled trial examined the impact of milk protein ingestion on recovery from EIMD. Untrained males and females performed a single bout of leg-based resistance exercise and consumed a milk protein (MILK-PRO: n = 4 males, n = 8 females) or isoenergetic control (CON: n = 4 males, n = 8 females) supplement over 4 days post-exercise (17 doses total). Maximum strength was assessed ≥3 wk pre- and 72 and 168 h post-exercise, and measures of leg circumference, range of motion, muscle soreness, pressure-pain threshold (PPT), and serum creatine kinase concentration ([CK]) we...

Research paper thumbnail of Best practice recommendations for body composition considerations in sport to reduce health and performance risks: a critical review, original survey and expert opinion by a subgroup of the IOC consensus on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs)

British Journal of Sports Medicine, Aug 31, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of The relationship of lean body mass and protein feeding : the science behind the practice

The development of lean body mass (LBM) is closely linked to protein feeding. Along with resistan... more The development of lean body mass (LBM) is closely linked to protein feeding. Along with resistance exercise protein feeding, or amino acid provision, stimulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS). Repeated stimulation of MPS above protein breakdown results in lean mass accretion. Many athletes aim to build or maintain LBM. The aim of this thesis was to better understand the relationship between LBM and protein feeding in trained individuals. This aim was studied in the applied setting and at whole body, muscle and molecular level. Chapter 2 revealed differences in total body mass and LBM between young rugby union players competing at different playing standards. Protein consumption was higher in players that played at a higher standard. The protein consumption of players at both playing standards was higher than current protein recommendations for athletes. The Under 20 (U20) rugby union players in Chapter 3 also consumed more protein than current recommendations state. Their dietary habits changed depending on their environment and they consumed more protein while in Six Nations (6N) camp compared with out of camp. Also, there were changes in dietary habits for individuals, however, those changes did not occur at the group level. Using the camp as an education tool for good nutrition habits could be advantageous. As a group, rugby union players' body composition did not change from pre to post a 6N tournament. However, there was individual variation, which could be meaningful for the individual players. We provide evidence suggesting that in elite sport, athletes should be considered as individuals as well as part of a group if appropriate.

Research paper thumbnail of Topic 3. Protein requirements and recommendations for athletes: arguments for practical recommendations

Protein plays an integral role in the growth and repair of tissues, making it an important part o... more Protein plays an integral role in the growth and repair of tissues, making it an important part of the human diet. Protein requirements are designed to prevent deficiencies; however, athletes look to use protein as a tool for increasing adaptations to training. Therefore, we suggest that protein recommendations are more useful than proteins requirements for athletes and coaches. Challenges exist in making protein recommendations for large groups of athletes due to differences in athlete type, sport, position, goals and training. Ideally, protein recommendations should be made on an individual basis. A number of general strategies can be employed to maximize the impact of protein on training adaptations. These considerations include the amount of protein to consume, timing of protein ingestion (both throughout the day and in relation to exercise), the type of protein consumed and the impact of co-ingestion of other nutrients

Research paper thumbnail of The impact of dietary protein supplementation on recovery from resistance exercise-induced muscle damage: A systematic review with meta-analysis

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Dec 13, 2022

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether dietary protein consumption can attenuate resistance exercise-i... more BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether dietary protein consumption can attenuate resistance exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Managing EIMD may accelerate muscle recovery and allow frequent, high-quality exercise to promote muscle adaptations. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the impact of peri-exercise protein supplementation on resistance EIMD. METHODS: A literature search was conducted on PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science up to March 2021 for relevant articles. PEDro criteria were used to assess bias within included studies. A Hedges' g effect size (ES) was calculated for indirect markers of EIMD at h post-exercise. Weighted ESs were included in a random effects model to determine overall ESs over time. RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies were included in the systematic review and 40 trials were included in ≥1 meta-analyses (16 total). There were significant overall effects of protein for preserving isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) at 96 h (0.563 [0.232, 0.894]) and isokinetic MVC at 24 h (0.639 [0.116, 1.162]), 48 h (0.447 [0.104, 0.790]), and 72 h (0.569 [0.136, 1.002]). Overall ESs were large in favour of protein for attenuating creatine kinase concentration at 48 h (0.836 [−0.001, 1.673]) and 72 h (1.335 [0.294, 2.376]). Protein supplementation had no effect on muscle soreness compared with the control. CONCLUSION: Peri-exercise protein consumption could help maintain maximal strength and lower creatine kinase concentration following resistance exercise but not reduce muscle soreness. Conflicting data may be due to methodological divergencies between studies. Standardised methods and data reporting for EIMD research are needed.

Research paper thumbnail of Sex differences in the impact of resistance exercise load on muscle damage: A protocol for a randomised parallel group trial

PLOS ONE

Introduction Resistance training can induce skeletal muscle hypertrophy and strength gains, but i... more Introduction Resistance training can induce skeletal muscle hypertrophy and strength gains, but is also associated with acute muscle damage, characterised by muscle soreness, impaired muscle function, and structural damage to muscle cell membranes and its components. These consequences can be detrimental to future exercise performance and dampen long-term training adaptations. Previous research has considered resistance exercise intensity as a factor in exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), though a clear direction of the findings has not yet been established. Further, female populations are heavily underrepresented in this field of study. Therefore, we here propose a study protocol designed to examine sex differences in the muscle damage response to resistance exercise performed with low or high loads in a population of untrained, young adults. Methods This study will employ a randomised parallel group design. Twenty-four males and 24 females will perform an acute leg-based resist...

Research paper thumbnail of Human skeletal muscle metabolic responses to 6 days of high‐fat overfeeding are associated with dietary n‐3PUFA content and muscle oxidative capacity

Physiological Reports, 2020

This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which... more This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Research paper thumbnail of Six days high fat overfeeding alters skeletal muscle ceramide expression prior to changes in whole body insulin sensitivity in young healthy males

Research paper thumbnail of Pattern of protein ingestion to maximise muscle protein synthesis after resistance exercise

The Journal of Physiology, Jun 1, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Variances In Strength And Conditioning Practice In Elite Rugby Union Between The Northern And Southern Hemispheres

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Dec 1, 2017

The strength and conditioning (S&C) practices in elite Rugby Union (RU) have previously been deta... more The strength and conditioning (S&C) practices in elite Rugby Union (RU) have previously been detailed. There is also research which indicates playing styles can differ between Northern hemisphere (NH) and Southern hemisphere (SH) teams. It is not presently known if these variances in playing styles are reflected in the S&C practices of those supporting NH and SH teams. As such, the present study examines any variances in S&C practices between those supporting NH and SH elite level teams. A validated questionnaire was employed that comprised 7 sections; personal details, physical testing, strength and power development, concurrent training, unique aspects of the programme and any further relevant information regarding prescribed training programmes. Forty (20 NH, 20 SH, 38 male, 2 female; 33.0 ± 5.5 y) of 52 (77%) coaches responded to the questionnaire. All practitioners worked with international level and/or professional RU athletes. The primary variances in S&C practice between NH and SH coaches included; utilization of differing tests of anaerobic capacity and cardiovascular endurance and differing prescription of compound and Olympic lifts. Also, NH coaches placed a greater emphasis on strength and power training while SH coaches had a more objective approach to determining strength training loads. Furthermore SH practitioners placed more emphasis on integration when compared with NH practitioners. Other aspects of S&C practice detailed in this article appear to be similar between Northern and Southern hemisphere practitioners. This research represents the only published survey to date of differing S&C practices in Northern and Southern hemisphere RU.

Research paper thumbnail of Commentaries on Viewpoint: What is the relationship between acute measure of muscle protein synthesis and changes in muscle mass?

Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), Jan 15, 2015

changes in muscle mass? and between acute measure of muscle protein synthesis Commentaries on Vie... more changes in muscle mass? and between acute measure of muscle protein synthesis Commentaries on Viewpoint: What is the relationship You might find this additional info useful...