The Impact of Beef on Muscle Fatigue in Older Adults

Inclusion Criteria

• Ages 60-85 years

• Ability to eat study diet meals for a total of 16 weeks

• Ability to perform sit-to-stand chair and 6-minute walking tests based on results from PAR-Q questionnaire

• Ability to provide fasted blood samples

• Access to transportation

• Willing to abstain from alcohol consumption and/or use illicit drug use for each 8-week intervention period

• Ability to consent to participating in this study

• English-speaking

• Body mass index between 18.5 (normal) and 39.9 (obese) kg/m2

• Minimum total body weight of 110 pounds

• Non-anemia hemoglobin values: Females - >12.0 grams/dL; Men - >13.0 grams/dL

• Able to ambulate without assistance

• Physician's clearance for study participation (required prior to baseline testing)

Exclusion Criteria

• Inability or refusal to sign the informed consent

• Significant orthopedic limitations or other contraindications to exercise

• Inability or refusal to perform muscle fatigue tests

• Has dietary restrictions that prevent to consumption of beef, soy and/or wheat

• Has liver or kidney complications

• Live or work >25 miles from Bloomington study site or does not have transportation to the study site

• Anticipate elective surgery during the study period

• Diagnosis of progressive neurological disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis

• Fracture or serious injury in the last 6 months

• Stroke, revascularization, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism in the past 12 months

• Severe cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled systemic hypertension, chronic pulmonary disease

• Plan to move residence or travel out of the local area during the study period

• Current use of anti-coagulants (e.g. Coumadin or Warfarin)

• Current use of prescription medications that affect heart rate or blood vessel dilation

• Psychological or social characteristics that would interfere with their ability to fully participate in the study