Skip to main content

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

  • Original Article
  • Published:

Body composition, energy expenditure and physical activity

Leisure time sedentary behavior, physical activity and frequency of protein consumption on lower extremity strength and lean mass

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 71, pages 1399–1404 (2017)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Background/Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the independent and combined associations of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), leisure time sedentary behavior and daily protein consumption on lower extremity muscular strength and lean mass.

Subjects/Methods:

Data from the 1999–2002 NHANES were utilized (N=1080 adults 50–85 y). Leg lean mass was estimated from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans. Knee extensor strength was assessed objectively using the Kin Com MP dynamometer. MVPA and leisure time sedentary behavior were assessed via questionnaire, with the number of meals per day of ⩾30 g of protein per meal assessed via a ‘multiple pass’ 24-h dietary interview.

Results:

Meeting MVPA guidelines (β=16.3, P=0.02) and consuming at least two meals per day of ⩾30 g of protein per meal (β=28.8, P=0.02) were independently associated with greater lower extremity strength, whereas sedentary behavior was not (β=11.6, P=0.23). Finally, there was no evidence of a three-way interaction of these behaviors on lower extremity strength (β=−8.7; P=0.70) or lower extremity lean mass (β=144.5; P=0.75).

Conclusions:

Although MVPA and frequency of protein consumption of ⩾30 g of protein per meal were independently associated with lower extremity lean mass and strength, the results of the present study do not provide evidence to suggest that there is a three-way interplay between MVPA, sedentary behavior and frequency of protein consumption ⩾30 g of protein per meal on lower extremity lean mass and strength.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution

Access options

Buy this article

  • Purchase on Springer Link
  • Instant access to full article PDF
Buy now

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Shad BJ, Wallis G, van Loon LJ, Thompson JL . Exercise prescription for the older population: the interactions between physical activity, sedentary time, and adequate nutrition in maintaining musculoskeletal health. Maturitas 2016; 93: 78–82.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Bouchard C, Blair SN, Katzmarzyk PT . Less sitting, more physical activity, or higher fitness? Mayo Clin Proc 2015; 90: 1533–1540.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Loprinzi PD . Less sitting, more physical activity and higher cardiorespiratory fitness: associations with weight status. Mayo Clin Proc 2016; 91: 538–539.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Zampieri S, Pietrangelo L, Loefler S, Fruhmann H, Vogelauer M, Burggraf S et al. Lifelong physical exercise delays age-associated skeletal muscle decline. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2015; 70: 163–173.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Gianoudis J, Bailey CA, Daly RM . Associations between sedentary behaviour and body composition, muscle function and sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults. Osteoporos Int 2015; 26: 571–579.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Gennuso KP, Thraen-Borowski KM, Gangnon RE, Colbert LH . Patterns of sedentary behavior and physical function in older adults. Aging Clin Exp Res 2016; 28: 943–950.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Breen L, Stokes KA, Churchward-Venne TA, Moore DR, Baker SK, Smith K et al. Two weeks of reduced activity decreases leg lean mass and induces ‘anabolic resistance’ of myofibrillar protein synthesis in healthy elderly. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2013; 98: 2604–2612.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Churchward-Venne TA, Breen L, Phillips SM . Alterations in human muscle protein metabolism with aging: protein and exercise as countermeasures to offset sarcopenia. Biofactors 2014; 40: 199–205.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Morton RW, McGlory C, Phillips SM . Nutritional interventions to augment resistance training-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Front Physiol 2015; 6: 245.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Loenneke JP, Loprinzi PD, Murphy CH, Phillips SM . Per meal dose and frequency of protein consumption is associated with lean mass and muscle performance. Clin Nutr 2016; 35: 1506–1511.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Chen L, Nelson DR, Zhao Y, Cui Z, Johnston JA . Relationship between muscle mass and muscle strength, and the impact of comorbidities: a population-based, cross-sectional study of older adults in the United States. BMC Geriatr 2013; 13: 74.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Statistics NCfH. Nutrition Examination Survey. Technical Documentation for the Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) Multiple Imputation Data Files. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Hyattsville, MD, USA, 2008.

  13. Loprinzi PD, Kane CJ . Exercise and cognitive function: a randomized controlled trial examining acute exercise and free-living physical activity and sedentary effects. Mayo Clin Proc 2015; 90: 450–460.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Ainsworth BE, Haskell WL, Whitt MC, Irwin ML, Swartz AM, Strath SJ et al. Compendium of physical activities: an update of activity codes and MET intensities. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2000; 32 (9 Suppl), S498–S504.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Loprinzi PD . Lower extremity muscular strength, sedentary behavior, and mortality. Age (Dordr) 2016; 38: 32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Keadle SK, Arem H, Moore SC, Sampson JN, Matthews CE . Impact of changes in television viewing time and physical activity on longevity: a prospective cohort study. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2015; 12: 156.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. McDowell MA, Hughes JP, Borrud LG . Health characteristics of US adults by body mass index category: results from NHANES 1999-2002. Public Health Rep 2006; 121: 67–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Mitchell JA, Bottai M, Park Y, Marshall SJ, Moore SC, Matthews CE . A prospective study of sedentary behavior and changes in the body mass index distribution. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2014; 46: 2244–2252.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Clark BK, Sugiyama T, Healy GN, Salmon J, Dunstan DW, Owen N . Validity and reliability of measures of television viewing time and other non-occupational sedentary behaviour of adults: a review. Obes Rev 2009; 10: 7–16.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Bartels R . Seemingly Unrelated Regressions. Wiley StatsRef: Statistics Reference Online, 2014. Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9781118445112.stat07758/abstract?userIsAuthenticated=false&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=.

  21. Mamerow MM, Mettler JA, English KL, Casperson SL, Arentson-Lantz E, Sheffield-Moore M et al. Dietary protein distribution positively influences 24-h muscle protein synthesis in healthy adults. J Nutr 2014; 144: 876–880.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Norton C, Toomey C, McCormack WG, Francis P, Saunders J, Kerin E et al. Protein supplementation at breakfast and lunch for 24 weeks beyond habitual intakes increases whole-body lean tissue mass in healthy older adults. J Nutr 2016; 146: 65–69.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Cermak NM, Res PT, de Groot LC, Saris WH, van Loon LJ . Protein supplementation augments the adaptive response of skeletal muscle to resistance-type exercise training: a meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr 2012; 96: 1454–1464.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Tieland M, Dirks ML, van der Zwaluw N, Verdijk LB, van de Rest O, de Groot LC et al. Protein supplementation increases muscle mass gain during prolonged resistance-type exercise training in frail elderly people: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2012; 13: 713–719.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Seymour JM, Spruit MA, Hopkinson NS, Natanek SA, Man WD, Jackson A et al. The prevalence of quadriceps weakness in COPD and the relationship with disease severity. Eur Respir J 2010; 36: 81–88.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Goodpaster BH, Carlson CL, Visser M, Kelley DE, Scherzinger A, Harris TB et al. Attenuation of skeletal muscle and strength in the elderly: the Health ABC Study. J Appl Physiol 2001; 90: 2157–2165.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Kwon HR, Han KA, Ku YH, Ahn HJ, Koo BK, Kim HC et al. The effects of resistance training on muscle and body fat mass and muscle strength in type 2 diabetic women. Korean Diabetes J 2010; 34: 101–110.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Churchward-Venne TA, Tieland M, Verdijk LB, Leenders M, Dirks ML, de Groot LC et al. There are no nonresponders to resistance-type exercise training in older men and women. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2015; 16: 400–411.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Phillips BE, Williams JP, Gustafsson T, Bouchard C, Rankinen T, Knudsen S et al. Molecular networks of human muscle adaptation to exercise and age. PLoS Genet 2013; 9: e1003389.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Buckner SL, Jessee MB, Mattocks KT, Mouser JG, Counts BR, Dankel SJ et al. Determining strength: a case for multiple methods of measurement. Sports Med 2016; 47: 193–195.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Seene T, Kaasik P . Muscle weakness in the elderly: role of sarcopenia, dynapenia, and possibilities for rehabilitaiton. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act 2012; 9: 102.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Bell KE, Seguin C, Parise G, Baker SK, Phillips SM . Day-to-day changes in muscle protein synthesis in recovery from resistance, aerobic, and high-intensity interval exercise in older men. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2015; 70: 1024–1029.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Fujita S, Rasmussen BB, Cadenas JG, Drummond MJ, Glynn EL, Sattler FR et al. Aerobic exercise overcomes the age-related insulin resistance of muscle protein metabolism by improving endothelial function and Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. Diabetes 2007; 56: 1615–1622.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Seene T, Kaasik P, Umnova M . Structural rearrangements in contractile apparatus and resulting skeletal muscle remodelling: effect of exercise training. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2009; 49: 410–423.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Seene T, Alev K, Kaasik P, Pehme A . Changes in fast-twitch muscle oxidative capacity and myosin isoforms modulation during endurance training. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2007; 47: 124–132.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Seene T, Kaasik P, Alev K . Muscle protein turnover in endurance training: a review. Int J Sports Med 2011; 32: 905–911.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Ferrando AA, Lane HW, Stuart CA, Davis-Street J, Wolfe RR . Prolonged bed rest decreases skeletal muscle and whole body protein synthesis. Am J Physiol 1996; 270 (4 Pt 1), E627–E633.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Itai Y, Kariya Y, Hoshino Y . Morphological changes in rat hindlimb muscle fibres during recovery from disuse atrophy. Acta Physiol Scand 2004; 181: 217–224.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Devries MC, Breen L, Von Allmen M, MacDonald MJ, Moore DR, Offord EA et al. Low-load resistance training during step-reduction attenuates declines in muscle mass and strength and enhances anabolic sensitivity in older men. Physiol Rep 2015; 3: e12493.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Loprinzi PD, Loenneke JP, Ahmed HM, Blaha MJ . Joint effects of objectively-measured sedentary time and physical activity on all-cause mortality. Prev Med 2016; 90: 47–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Tooze JA, Troiano RP, Carroll RJ, Moshfegh AJ, Freedman LS . A measurement error model for physical activity level as measured by a questionnaire with application to the 1999-2006 NHANES questionnaire. Am J Epidemiol 2013; 177: 1199–1208.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

Author contributions

PDL conceived the study, computed the analyses and wrote the manuscript. JPL and DLH interpreted the results and wrote the manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA

    P D Loprinzi

  2. Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, Kevser Ermin Applied Physiology Laboratory, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA

    J P Loenneke

  3. Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences Research Group, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK

    D L Hamilton

Authors
  1. P D Loprinzi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. J P Loenneke
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. D L Hamilton
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to P D Loprinzi.

Ethics declarations

Competing interests

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Loprinzi, P., Loenneke, J. & Hamilton, D. Leisure time sedentary behavior, physical activity and frequency of protein consumption on lower extremity strength and lean mass. Eur J Clin Nutr 71, 1399–1404 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2017.101

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2017.101

This article is cited by

Search

Advanced search

Quick links