Presenter : Caitlin Gibson
Mentor : Hans Dreyer
Major : Human Physiology
Poster 18
Osteoarthritis affects 60% of the US population over 65 years of age. Total Knee Arthroscopy (TKA), used to mitigate osteoarthritis knee pain, is the leading cause of hospitalization for adults, ages 45-84 years old. The most significant clinical barrier following TKA surgery is persistent muscle atrophy and weakness. Previous research has shown that essential amino acid (EAA) ingestion is a potent means to stimulate muscle protein synthesis in older adults. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of twice-daily ingestion of 20g of EAA for 1 week prior to, and for 2 weeks post-TKA, on muscle mass, strength, and functional mobility. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), isometric quadriceps strength and functional mobility were obtained at baseline, 2 and 6 weeks post-TKA from older adults supplemented with EAA or placebo. RESULTS: Quadriceps muscle atrophy was greater in the placebo group at 2 and 6 weeks post-surgery. The intervention group had significantly less loss in quadriceps strength and performed significantly better at 2 and 6 weeks post-surgery on functional mobility tests. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that TKA surgery is associated with significant muscle atrophy, declines in muscle strength and reductions in functional mobility. Our findings will help us to better understand the potential for EAA supplementation in order to attenuate muscle loss and boost recovery of muscle mass, strength and function follow- ing TKA in older adults.