THE EFFECTS OF THREE WEEKS OF TIME-RESTRICTED EATING WITH RESISTANCE TRAINING ON MUSCULAR STRENGTH IN COLLEGE AGED ADULTS

Abstract

Time-restricted eating (TRE) has shown to have a multitude of benefits individual’s overall health such as reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease and promoting weight loss. However, there is limited data on effects of TRE on muscular strength. PURPOSE: The current study examined the effects of TRE with resistance training (RT) on muscular strength in college-aged adults. METHODS: Eleven healthy college-aged adults between the ages of 18-21 years, volunteered to complete a 3-week RT. The subjects were randomly assigned into either control group (CG) or experimental group (EG). The CG performed the RT workout 3 days a week with normal diet for three weeks. The EG performed the RT workout 3 days a week with TRE diet that allowed subjects to consume food between 11 am and 8 pm for three weeks. Body weight measurement and one repetition maximum test for bench press and back squat were administered at baseline and post-intervention. All data were analyzed by a 2 (group) x 2 (time) ANOVA with repeated measure (p < 0.05). The Bonferroni pairwise comparisons were conducted as post hoc to locate the significant mean differences. RESULTS: Either CG or EG did not significantly change muscular strength and body weight. CONCLUSIONS: Three weeks of TRE with resistant training did not enhance muscular strength. This research can be used for a guide for those interested in their muscular fitness goals. The long-term effects of the TRE diet on muscular strength should be further explored in future studies.