The Effect of Chicken Formulations on Muscle Mass and Strength in Thai Healthy Male Volunteers

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effect of high protein from chicken breast products during resistance exercise training on muscle mass and strength in healthy Thai male volunteers. In this study was double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. This study assessed changes in muscle mass and strength of 60 healthy men aged 20-35 years with normal BMI (23.04±2.52 kg/m2). Participants were randomly divided into three groups receiving controlled placebo tablet (CG, n=18, lactose-based containing 12.0 g lactose/day), chicken tablet (CT27, n=18, 27.0 g protein/day), and chicken chip (CC36, n=19, 36.8 g protein/day) during 69-day period. In addition, all groups were instructed to perform the same resistance training program (4 times per week). Body composition (BIA), anthropometry (AMC, CMC), and muscle strength were measured. After 9 weeks of the study, CC36 group had a statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in the percentage of skeletal muscle from baseline when compared other two groups. Additionally, a significant increase (p<0.01) in arm muscle circumference, back-leg extension, and hand grip strength were observed in both groups receiving chicken protein products. The same result was also detected in the placebo group but at a much slower rate. Resistance training exercise along with intake of the chicken protein products could increase muscle mass and strength.