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The Study

Effect of resistance training and protein intake pattern on myofibrillar protein synthesis and proteome kinetics in older men in energy restriction

In simple terms

This study showed that when older men lift weights while dieting, their muscles start making more proteins — like building more bricks for a wall. But it didn't measure if the wall actually got bigger, just that the brick-making machine got busier.

62%

Analysis score

62/ 90

Maximum 90 for a randomized controlled trial.

Where the score came from

Reporting40

Methodology59

Publication100

Statistical54

Study type (basis of the score)

Randomized Controlled Trial

Level 1b - Individual RCT

Major conflicts of interest — credibility reduced

The study was funded by KineMed, Inc. and Nestlé, both of which have commercial interests in nutritional and metabolic research, and several authors are employed by these companies, raising concerns about potential influence on study design and interpretation.

What’s the bottom line?

When older men lose weight, their muscles can shrink. This study tested if doing strength training or spreading protein evenly through meals helps keep muscles strong.

Where does this study sit?

Systematic Reviews & Meta-analyses

Max 100

Randomized Trials

Max 90

Cohort Studies

Max 72

Case-Control

Max 58

Cross-Sectional

Max 44

Case Reports & Series

Max 30

Expert Opinion

Max 5

StrongerWeaker

Randomized Trials

Level 1b

62 / 100

Quality score

Participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups, minimizing bias. Considered the gold standard for testing whether an intervention causes an effect.

Can establish causation

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Key takeaways

Summary

Based on the study abstract and findings.

1Yes — a 26% increase in muscle protein building during weight loss means resistance training can help older adults preserve muscle mass and strength, which is critical for mobility and health.
2Doing resistance training 6 times over 2 weeks boosted muscle protein building by 26%.
3Eating protein evenly across meals made no difference.
4Blood tests for two proteins (CK-M and CA-3) matched muscle activity, meaning they might be used as simple blood tests to track muscle health.

Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data

Publication

Journal

The Journal of Physiology

Year

2018

Authors

C. Murphy, M. Shankaran, T. Churchward-Venne, C. Mitchell, Nathan M. Kolar, L. Burke, J. Hawley, A. Kassis, L. Karagounis, Kelvin W. Li, C. King, M. Hellerstein, Stuart M Phillips

Open Access

45 citations

Analysis v4

DOI:10.1113/JP275246

PubMed:29532476

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