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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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Open Access 01-05-2020 | Fatigue | Original Article

Effects of 21 days of bed rest and whey protein supplementation on plantar flexor muscle fatigue resistance during repeated shortening contractions

Authors: Alessandra Bosutti, Edwin Mulder, Jochen Zange, Judith Bühlmeier, Bergita Ganse, Hans Degens

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 5/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Space flight and bed rest (BR) lead to a rapid decline in exercise capacity. Whey protein plus potassium bicarbonate diet-supplementation (NUTR) could attenuate this effect by improving oxidative metabolism. We evaluated the impact of 21-day BR and NUTR on fatigue resistance of plantar flexor muscles (PF) during repeated shortening contractions, and whether any change was related to altered energy metabolism and muscle oxygenation.

Methods

Ten healthy men received a standardized isocaloric diet with (n = 5) or without (n = 5) NUTR. Eight bouts of 24 concentric plantar flexions (30 s each bout) with 20 s rest between bouts were employed. PF muscle size was assessed by means of peripheral quantitative computed tomography. PF muscle volume was assessed with magnetic resonance imaging. PF muscle force, contraction velocity, power and surface electromyogram signals were recorded during each contraction, as well as energy metabolism (³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) and oxygenation (near-infrared spectroscopy). Cardiopulmonary parameters were measured during an incremental cycle exercise test.

Results

BR caused 10–15% loss of PF volume that was partly recovered 3 days after re-ambulation, as a consequence of fluid redistribution. Unexpectedly, PF fatigue resistance was not affected by BR or NUTR. BR induced a shift in muscle metabolism toward glycolysis and some signs of impaired muscle oxygen extraction. NUTR did not attenuate the BR-induced-shift in energy metabolism.

Conclusions

Twenty-one days’ BR did not impair PF fatigue resistance, but the shift to glycolytic metabolism and indications of impaired oxygen extraction may be early signs of developing reduced muscle fatigue resistance.

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Title: Effects of 21 days of bed rest and whey protein supplementation on plantar flexor muscle fatigue resistance during repeated shortening contractions
Authors: Alessandra Bosutti
Edwin Mulder
Jochen Zange
Judith Bühlmeier
Bergita Ganse
Hans Degens
Publication date: 01-05-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Fatigue
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04333-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Effects of 21 days of bed rest and whey protein supplementation on plantar flexor muscle fatigue resistance during repeated shortening contractions

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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