reduces the risk of injury [3]. Importantly, previous work by our group has demonstrated that a jockey can maintain lean mass and improve physical performance during a period of significant weight loss whilst on a high protein diet [34]. In agreement with the previous authors, we also report herein a preservation of lean tissue mass over the 6 week intervention period. Interestingly, we also observed significantly increased chest and leg strength and increased leg power, which may have been surprising given that we did not include any structured resistance or plyometric training within the study. One explanation for this finding could be that the relatively high level of protein in our dietary intervention may have increased muscle fractional synthesis rate which positively correlates with strength [4] Alternatively, it is possible that the increased energy intake decreased hunger and increased vigour thus having implications for physical performance [34]. Our data would also support the view that functional measures should be included as outcomes in dietary protein studies and not just fractional synthesis rate [39]. In addition to the change in food frequency and composition, we also included a ‘fasted’ low-to-moderate intensity exercise modality (jogging) in an attempt to increase lipid oxidation [2] and hence promote absolute fat mass loss. Although the main purpose was not necessarily to improve fitness, it is noteworthy that we also observed a significant increase in VO2max and reduc
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