Accession Number:

ADA534551

Title:

The Influence of 8 Weeks of Whey-Protein and Leucine Supplementation on Physical and Cognitive Performance

Descriptive Note:

Journal article

Corporate Author:

AIR FORCE RESEARCH LAB BROOKS AFB TX HUMAN EFFECTIVENESS DIRECTORATE

Personal Author(s):

• Walker, Thomas B.
• Smith, Jessica
• Herrera, Monica
• Lebegue, Brech
• Pinchak, Andrea
• Fischer, Joseph

Report Date:

2010-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

10.0

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of whey-protein and leucine supplementation to enhance physical and cognitive performance and body composition. Thirty moderately fit participants completed a modified Air Force fitness test, a computer-based cognition test, and a dual-energy X-ray-absorptiometry scan for body composition before and after supplementing their daily diet for 8 wk with either 19.7 g of whey protein and 6.2 g leucine WPL or a calorie-equivalent placebo P. Bench-press performance increased significantly from Week I to Week 8 in the WPL group, whereas the increase in the P group was not significant. Push-up performance increased significantly for WPL, and P showed a nonsignificant increase. Total mass, fat-free mass, and lean body mass all increased significantly in the WPL group but showed no change in the P group. No differences were observed within or between groups for crunches, chin-ups, 3-mile-run time, or cognition. The authors conclude that supplementing with whey protein and leucine may provide an advantage to people whose performance benefits from increased upper body strength andor lean body mass.

Descriptors:

• *COGNITION
• *STRENGTH(PHYSIOLOGY)
• *PHYSICAL FITNESS
• *HUMAN BODY
• *LEUCINE
• DAILY OCCURRENCE
• DIET
• TEST METHODS
• PERFORMANCE(HUMAN)
• TEST AND EVALUATION
• COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

Subject Categories:

• Medicine and Medical Research
• Food, Food Service and Nutrition

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE