Abstract

Introduction

Muscle strength refers to the amount of force a muscle can produce with a single maximal effort or the maximum force or tension generated by a muscle ^[1]. Muscle fatigability is decline in the ability of a muscle to generate force^[1]. Components of milk include casein and whey, from this is derived the substance 'Whey'. Whey protein is a mixture of globular proteins isolated from whey, the liquid material created as a byproduct of cheese production^[5].

Skeletal muscle is capable of adapting to a progressive high resistance training regime by increasing its size and strength (hypertrophy) ^[2]. The dietary protocol for muscle building is high protein intake which is provided by whey protein but can also be fulfilled by normal high protein diet. Although use of whey protein would sound as the obvious thing to do, its composition is only protein whereas for total body health there is also a need to provide the necessary micronutrients which can be obtained by natural diet. The muscle mass developed using whey protein might require few months but the same amount of muscle to be built on normal protein diet may take several months.

Although much is known about the productivity of whey protein supplementation in muscle building, little is known about the quality of muscle that is developed by supplementation. Muscle strength and fatigability are a function of adaptability, so can the muscle developed in short period be as effective as that developed by normal diet is the question that needs to be answered. The instruments chosen are hand grip dynamometer and Mosso’s ergogram, these particular instruments are chosen even though many others are available because they are non-invasive and happen to be the relevant choice for an undergraduate to perform research through. Many high profile studies with regards to whey protein have been done but none have got down to such basic level to check the strength and fatigability.

The design of the study is based on selection of candidates who fit into the criteria and take their dietary history, calculate BMI and assessing the muscle strength (in Kg) and fatigability (in sec) using the respective instruments.

Does whey protein supplementation provide the same benefit as a normal diet or can the same mass of muscle built on normal diet be better than whey protein supplementation?