Alaska pollock protein intake combined with low-intensity resistance training: Effects on neuromuscular and cardiovascular adaptations in older adults.

In 30 seconds

This double-blind randomized trial examined whether Alaska pollock protein (APP) altered adaptations to low-intensity resistance training in 22 community-dwelling older adults. Participants consumed APP or whey protein (4.5 g day-1) for 8 weeks while completing home-based isometric knee-extension training twice weekly. Knee extensor maximal voluntary contraction increased over time (P = 0.022), with no group-by-time interaction. Motor unit firing rate and systolic blood pressure also varied over time; exploratory analyses suggested changes within the APP group, but the findings do not establish an advantage over whey protein.

Key findings

• Knee extensor maximal voluntary contraction increased over time (P = 0.022), without a group × time interaction.
• Motor unit firing rate at recruitment thresholds of 20-40% MVC decreased at mid-intervention and partially returned by the end (P = 0.017).
• In exploratory APP-group analyses, change in motor unit firing rate at 20-40% MVC correlated with change in maximal voluntary contraction (P = 0.019).
• Systolic blood pressure showed a time effect; an exploratory APP-group analysis found a mid-to-post reduction (P = 0.002).

Why it matters

The trial assesses neuromuscular and cardiovascular responses to a feasible, low-intensity home-based training programme in older adults. Its results suggest that motor unit behaviour and systolic blood pressure may change during the intervention, but the absence of a group-by-time effect for strength and the exploratory nature of some analyses mean APP-specific benefits remain uncertain.

What to keep in mind

The trial included 22 participants and lasted 8 weeks. Several APP-group findings were exploratory, and the authors call for larger trials to confirm the results and clarify mechanisms.