Protein Intake and Step Reduction in Older Adults

Sarcopenia, the loss in muscle mass with age, is associated with several negative health outcomes including cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This loss of muscle mass remains relatively steady following 50 years of age however it can be accelerated with periods of disuse associated with hospitalization, fracture or surgery of the hip or simply influenza. Also associated with periods of disuse, is a lack of energy intake as hospitalizations often result in undernourishment. The consumption of protein has been shown to stimulate muscle growth and therefore the investigators are wondering whether it is able to offset the loss of muscle mass associated with disuse. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to examine the effects of protein consumption combined with mild caloric restriction on changes in muscle mass and function during a period of disuse as well as during a period of recovery .