Research Center: Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research at the Australian Catholic University
Location: Daniel Mannix Building, 17 Young Street, Fitzroy VIC
Lead Researchers: Dr Donny Camera, Mr Marcus Callahan, Prof John Hawley, Dr Evelyn Parr, Dr Brooke Devlin, Dr Ryan Timmins & A/Prof Leah Brennan
Ethics Committee: This study has been reviewed and approved by Australian Catholic University Human Research Ethics Committee (2017-104H)

Researcher interview:

Background

As we get older, it is natural for muscle mass to reduce slowly over time.  However, previous research has shown that resistance and endurance exercise in combination with a high-quality protein diet can increase and subsequently maintain muscle mass.

This study seeks to investigate whether an alternative form of exercise (high intensity interval training) can similarly increase muscle mass, when taking protein supplements. Participants will be assigned to an exercise group where they will either perform high intensity interval training, endurance training or resistance training over 6 weeks. Participants are also required to take protein supplements and follow a diet.

This study seeks overweight men aged 35 – 45 years old, who are able to attend up to 12  study visits and 18 training sessions at the research site over approximately 10 weeks. Participants will be provided with protein supplements, supervised exercise training and be reimbursed $400 for costs incurred with participating in this study.

Benefits of Participation

• You may experience an increase in your muscle growth and an improvement in your cardio metabolic health.
• You may experience improvements in your blood sugar, metabolism and energy levels.
• You will receive 6 weeks of 3x mornings/week supervised training, randomised to either high intensity interval, endurance or resistance exercises.
  
• You will be provided with protein supplements (e.g. protein powder, yoghurt).
• You will receive the results of your fitness tests which will include important information about your health.
• You will have access to a dietician who will help you with meal planning.
• You will be helping to advance medical research.
• You will be reimbursed $400 for costs incurred with participating in this study.

Your Rights

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you may withdraw at any time.
• Your records relating to this study and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by the law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

Who Can Participate?

• Overweight men aged 35 – 45 years old who do not regularly exercise
• Have a relatively stable weight
• Willing to undergo 3 muscle biopsies throughout study duration
• Do not have type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease
• Do not have any injuries that impair their ability to exercise
• Not a smoker (i.e. no tobacco, e-cigarettes or marijuana)
  
• Not taking prescription medications for cholesterol, blood pressure or diabetes
• Able to attend up to 12 study visits and 18 training sessions visits at the research site over approximately 10 weeks
  
• Willing to refrain from travelling for 5 or more days during the study period