Effect of mixed protein supplementation on golf performance and muscle function: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2024;21(1):2393368
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With golf being a demanding sport that requires both aerobic and anaerobic energy, there is an important role for ergogenic supplements. In particular, proteins are essential for power production during golf swings. The primary aim was to investigate the effects of mixed protein supplementation on golf swing performance and muscle strength in casual golfers. This study was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 60 participants with a golf handicap of less than 20. Participants were randomly assigned to either a mixed protein group or a placebo group and were instructed to take their respective supplements daily for 8 weeks. Results showed that after 8 weeks of the mixed protein ingestion, there was a significant increase in golf swing performance, including driver distance and driver ball speed, as well as improvements in muscle function, such as hand grip strength, two-minute push-ups, and balance score. Additionally, no safety concerns were reported. Authors concluded that mixed proteins could offer a safe and effective approach for golf players to improve skeletal muscle health and golf performance.

Abstract

BACKGROUND As a relatively novel approach to enhancing skeletal muscle health, mixed protein supplementation has shown similar responses to whey protein. However, no previous studies have examined its impact on golf swing performance. This study aimed to examine the effect of mixed protein supplementation on the swing performance and muscle strength of casual golfers. METHODS Sixty participants with a handicap of less than 20 were recruited and randomly assigned to a double-blind, placebo-controlled study design. The participants were divided into two groups: a mixed protein group (MG, n = 30), and a placebo control group (CG, n = 30). They were instructed to ingest either a supplement containing casein calcium, whey protein, and isolated pea protein, or a placebo, once daily for 8 weeks. Pre- and posttests consisted of anthropometric measurements, muscle strength (isokinetic knee and trunk strength, and handgrip strength), 2-minute push-ups, balance, and golf swing performance using a driver and 7-iron. RESULTS After the 8-week supplementation period, ANCOVA, using baseline values as covariates, revealed significant differences for driver distance (p = .004) and driver ball speed (p < .001). MG significantly increased driver distance by 5.17 ± 12.8 m (p = .046), driver ball speed by 1.36 ± 2.87 m/s (p = .021). Additionally, significantly improvements were observed in hand grip strength (+2.12 ± 3.47 kg, p = .004), two-minute push-ups (+4.89 ± 8.14 reps, p = .004), and balance score (-0.37 ± 0.69 min, p = .009). No significant differences were observed in body composition parameters (p > .05). CONCLUSION The intake of a mixed protein containing both animal and plant proteins had positive effects on golf performance and muscle function. Therefore, mixed proteins may represent a safe and effective approach to enhancing skeletal muscle health in golf players.

Lifestyle medicine

Fundamental Clinical Imbalances : Structural
Patient Centred Factors : Mediators/Skeletal muscle
Environmental Inputs : Diet ; Nutrients ; Physical exercise
Personal Lifestyle Factors : Nutrition ; Exercise and movement
Functional Laboratory Testing : Blood

Methodological quality

Jadad score : 5
Allocation concealment : Yes

Metadata

Nutrition Evidence keywords : Supplements ; Protein ; Skeletal muscle ; Aerobic fitness