Find-A-Study

Do Branched Chain Amino Acids Reduce Fatigue in Older Adults?

Lay Description

Fatigue is a strong predictor of negative health outcomes in older adults. The research in this study will compare the effects of 8-weeks of branched chain amino acids (BCAA: dietary supplements commonly taken to improve muscle growth and exercise performance) added to exercise compared to exercise with a placebo (inactive, harmless substance). BCAAs could have an impact on improving fatigue common in older adults, especially when exercising. We will examine the effects of an 8-week exercise program when combined with either BCAAs or a placebo on body composition (fat and muscle), physical activity habits, fatigue, and physical performance (such as walking and strength). We would also like to assess whether these outcomes are controlled by changes in markers in the skeletal muscle and blood.

Eligibility

Eligible Ages: 60-80
Eligible Genders: All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Inclusion Criteria

fatigue (participants reporting ≥3 on a 1-10 scale); lack of menses for at least one year for women; BMI 20-50 kg/m2; untrained with regard to structured exercise training (no more than 2x/week)

Exclusion Criteria

taking an anticoagulant medication (i.e., heparin, apixaban, rivaroxaban);

allergic to lidocaine; neurologic, musculoskeletal, or other condition that limits subject’s ability to complete study physical assessments or training; hepatic (LFTs >2.5xWNL), renal (eGFR<45), gastrointestinal, and uncontrolled psychiatric disease; cognitive impairment; consuming nutritional supplements (excluding common multi-mineral/vitamin); uncontrolled depression

Study Design

Arm Groups

Study Contact

Tiffany Cortes
(210) 450-8998
cortest@uthscsa.edu

Sandra Idar
(210) 450-0568
idars@uthscsa.edu

Principal Investigator
Monica Serra