Abstract
This study examined the effects of whey and pea protein supplementation on physiological adaptations following 8-weeks of high-intensity functional training (HIFT). Fifteen HIFT men (n = 8; 38.6 ± 12.7 y, 1.8 ± 0.1 m, 87.7 ± 15.8 kg) and women (n = 7; 38.9 ± 10.9 y, 1.7 ± 0.10 m, 73.3 ± 10.5 kg) participated in this study. Participants completed an 8-week HIFT program consisting of 4 training sessions per week. Participants consumed 24 g of either whey (n = 8) or pea (n = 7) protein before and after exercise on training days, and in-between meals on non-training days. Before and after training, participants underwent ultrasonography muscle thickness measurement, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), two benchmark WODs (workout of the day), 1-Repetition Maximum (1RM) squat and deadlift testing, and Isometric Mid-thigh Pull (IMTP) performance. Separate analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) were performed on all measures collected at POST. Both groups experienced increased strength for 1RM back squat (p = 0.006) and deadlift (p = 0.008). No training effect (p > 0.05) was found for body composition, muscle thickness, IMTP peak force, IMTP rate of force development, or performance in either WOD. Using PRE values as the covariate, there were no group differences for any measured variable. We conclude that ingestion of whey and pea protein produce similar outcomes in measurements of body composition, muscle thickness, force production, WOD performance and strength following 8-weeks of HIFT.
Highlights
It is well established in the literature that individuals engaging in elevated physical activity have greater protein needs [1,2,3]
There were no significant improvements found for WOD1 (p = 0.157) or WOD2 (p = 0.07) as a result of 8-weeks of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) training with no differences found between whey and pea protein conditions
Our findings showed no significant difference in type of protein consumption on strength, body composition, muscle thickness, Isometric Mid-thigh Pull (IMTP) peak force, IMTP rate of force development (RFD), and Workout of the Day (WOD) adaptations following HIFT
Summary
It is well established in the literature that individuals engaging in elevated physical activity have greater protein needs [1,2,3]. Current literature suggests 1.4–2.0 g/kg/d is sufficient to support performance adaptations, improve body composition, and sustain accretion of lean body mass while engaged in a resistance training regimen [1]. Protein quality is generally determined by the ability of a protein to meet the demand for amino acids while considering its digestibility and utilization by the body [5]. In the context of resistance training, a high-quality protein is one which possesses all the essential amino acids (EAA) and contains a sufficient amount of the branched chain amino acid (BCAA) leucine to augment muscle protein synthesis (MPS). Due to its high leucine content, rapid digestibility, and ability to maximally stimulate MPS, whey protein is a common choice for protein supplementation among active and athletic populations [6,7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
