A whey protein-based multi-ingredient nutritional supplement stimulates gains in lean body mass and strength in healthy older men: A randomized controlled trial

Protein and other compounds can exert anabolic effects on skeletal muscle, particularly in conjunction with exercise. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of twice daily consumption of a protein-based, multi-ingredient nutritional supplement to increase strength and lean mass independent of, and in combination with, exercise in healthy older men. Forty-nine healthy older men (age: 73 ± 1 years [mean ± SEM]; BMI: 28.5 ± 1.5 kg/m2) were randomly allocated to 20 weeks of twice daily consumption of either a nutritional supplement (SUPP; n = 25; 30 g whey protein, 2.5 g creatine, 500 IU vitamin D, 400 mg calcium, and 1500 mg n-3 PUFA with 700 mg as eicosapentanoic acid and 445 mg as docosahexanoic acid); or a control (n = 24; CON; 22 g of maltodextrin). The study had two phases. Phase 1 was 6 weeks of SUPP or CON alone. Phase 2 was a 12 week continuation of the SUPP/CON but in combination with exercise: SUPP + EX or CON + EX. Isotonic strength (one repetition maximum [1RM]) and lean body mass (LBM) were the primary outcomes. In Phase 1 only the SUPP group gained strength (Σ1RM, SUPP: +14 ± 4 kg, CON: +3 ± 2 kg, P < 0.001) and lean mass (LBM, +1.2 ± 0.3 kg, CON: -0.1 ± 0.2 kg, P < 0.001). Although both groups gained strength during Phase 2, upon completion of the study upper body strength was greater in the SUPP group compared to the CON group (Σ upper body 1RM: 119 ± 4 vs. 109 ± 5 kg, P = 0.039). We conclude that twice daily consumption of a multi-ingredient nutritional supplement increased muscle strength and lean mass in older men. Increases in strength were enhanced further with exercise training

The benefits of strength training on musculoskeletal system health: practical applications for interdisciplinary care

Global health organizations have provided recommendations regarding exercise for the general population. Strength training has been included in several position statements due to its multi-systemic benefits. In this narrative review, we examine the available literature, first explaining how specific mechanical loading is converted into positive cellular responses. Secondly, benefits related to specific musculoskeletal tissues are discussed, with practical applications and training programmes clearly outlined for both common musculoskeletal disorders and primary prevention strategies

Role of Temperature on Sliding Response of Aluminum on Steel of a Hot Extrusion

In the present investigation, a series of sliding and tensile tests were conducted to simulate interactions at the bearing surface. A spherical tipped aluminum pin was slid against a polished steel ring. Results showed that the friction coefficient at all test temperatures of sliding exhibited a near similar pattern of peak followed by a gradual drop and stabilization. The steady state friction coefficient was 0.2 for temperatures up to 423 K, and greater than 1.0 for temperatures above 423 K. The transfer layer evolution was dependent on friction force. The ultimate tensile strength decreased at temperatures higher than 423 K

Design of an aluminium-based vehicle platform for front impact safety

The current paper examines the design of an aluminium-intensive small car platform for desirable front impact safety performance. A space frame-type architecture comprised of extruded aluminium members with welded joints is considered for inherent structural rigidity, and low investment in terms of tooling. A finite element model of the vehicle is employed for crash analysis using the explicit code LS-DYNA. Confidence in analysis is established at the component level by benchmarking finite element models of welded joints against experimental data, and axial crushing of aluminium tubes against published numerical results and theoretical prediction. A numerical design of experiments is conducted for arriving at a frontend design that will yield desirable safety performance during impact against a rigid barrier at 30 mph (FMVSS 208 condition). For comparable new car assessment program performance at a higher speed of 35 mph, a lumped parameter idealization is used to identify the principal design changes that may be necessary. The current approach of component level testing combined with finite element and lumped parameter-based simulations can be regarded as an effective and time-saving procedure in the crash safety design of new vehicles