Protein-Rich Diet May Help Improve Muscle and Connective Tissue Health

Research Center: Purdue University-Lyles Porter Hall
Location: Purdue University, 715 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907
Lead Researcher: Chad C. Carroll, Ph.D.
IRB Committee: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Purdue University Human Research Protection Program

About the Study

As women age, they are at a higher risk of developing muscle problems when compared to men. This has contributed to a need arising for finding ways to improve both muscle and connective tissue strength. 

Researchers at Purdue University believe that a protein-rich diet may be the key! This research study is comparing the effects of a protein-rich diet with other popular diets, with an emphasis on lean beef, and how it can possibly improve muscle strength in older adults, to other popular diets. 

Why Participate? 

  • Participants will receive a 12 week supervised resistance exercise program and dietary intervention, including food and 3 days of exercise a week, at no cost.
  • Participants may experience improvements in their overall muscle health. 
  • Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit those with weaker muscle and connective tissue strength in the future.
  • Participants will be compensated up to $350 for participating in this study. 
  • Participants will be helping to advance medical research on the muscle benefits of a protein-rich diet.

Your Rights

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

Who Can Participate?

  • Women aged 60 to 80 years
  • Must live a sedentary or non-active lifestyle
  • Must not be a smoker of tobacco products
  • Must not have claustrophobia or any condition that may prohibit an MRI scan
  • Must be able to attend 45 study visits at the research site over approximately 4 months

More Study Details 

The study team will explain the research in its entirety but some details are:

  • The study will determine if a high protein diet, with emphasis on lean beef, will improve muscle and tendon health during an exercise training program
  • 12 week or supervised exercise 3 days/week, consisting of leg presses, chest presses, leg extensions, rowing, and leg curl resistance exercises. 
  • Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three diet groups:
    • A high protein diet with predominantly lean beef as a protein source
    • A high protein diet with a variety of protein sources
    • A normal protein diet with a variety of protein sources. 
  • Participants will be required to visit the study center, where each visit will take around 30-60 minutes.
  • Participants will have blood drawn for testing.
  • Participants will have training sessions as well as dietary counseling

About the Research Center:

Purdue University-Lyles Porter Hall
Purdue University is a major research institution known for discoveries in science, technology, engineering, math, and beyond. Founded in 1869, the University proudly serves its state as well as the nation and the world. More than 37,000 students from all 50 states and 130 countries, along with some 850 student organizations and Big Ten Boilermaker athletics, make for a lively environment.

Please note:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers would like to assure the participants that ensuring their and the study staff’s safety is of utmost importance, with masks being mandatory within campus facilities.

What’s Next?

  1. Click the link to enter your contact details and take the study questionnaire.
  2. If eligible, a member of the research team will contact you to discuss the study and answer any questions you may have.
Click Here to Check Your Eligibility for This Study

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