High-intensity interval training and essential amino acid supplementation: Effects on muscle characteristics and whole-body protein turnover

The purpose of this study was to compare the independent and combined effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and essential amino acids (EAA) on lean mass, muscle characteristics of the quadriceps, and 24-hr whole-body protein turnover (WBPT) in overweight and obese adults. An exploratory aim was to evaluate potential modulatory effects of sex. Sixty-six adults (50% female; Age: 36.7 ± 6.0 yrs; %BF: 36.0 ± 7.8%) were assigned to 8 wks of: (a) HIIT, 2 days/wk; (b) EAA supplementation, 3.6 g twice daily; (c) HIIT + EAA; or (d) control. At baseline, 4 wks, and 8 wks, total body, thigh LM and muscle characteristics were measured via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and B-mode ultrasound, respectively. In a subsample, changes in WBPT was measured using [N15 ]alanine. Differences between groups were assessed using linear mixed models adjusted for baseline values, followed by 95% confidence intervals on adjusted mean change scores (Δ). HIIT and HIIT + EAA improved thigh LM (Δ: +0.17 ± 0.05 kg [0.08, 0.27]; +0.22 ± 0.05 kg [0.12,0.31]) and vastus lateralis cross-sectional area (Δ: +2.73 ± 0.52 cm2 [1.69,3.77]; +2.64 ± 0.53 cm2 [1.58,3.70]), volume (Δ: +54.50 ± 11.69 cm3 [31.07, 77.92]; +62.39 ± 12.05 cm3 [38.26, 86.52]), and quality (Δ: -5.46 ± 2.68a.u. [-10.84, -0.09]; -7.97 ± 2.76a.u.[-13.49, -2.45]). Protein synthesis, breakdown, and flux were greater with HIIT + EAA and EAA compared to HIIT (p < .05). Sex differences were minimal. Compared to women, men tended to respond more to HIIT, with or without EAA. For women, responses were greater with HIIT + EAA than HIIT. In overweight and obese adults, 8 weeks of HIIT, with or without EAA, improved thigh LM size and quality; EAA may enhance muscular adaptation via increases in protein turnover, supporting greater improvements in muscular size and quality.