Does Protein Supplementation Support Adaptations to Arduous Concurrent Exercise Training? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Military Based Applications
Open accessAbstract
We evaluated the impact of protein supplementation on adaptations to arduous concurrent training in healthy adults with potential applications to individuals undergoing military training. Peer-reviewed papers published in English meeting the population, intervention, comparison and outcome criteria were included. Database searches were completed in PubMed, Web of science and SPORTDiscus. Study quality was evaluated using the COnsensus based standards for the selection of health status measurement instruments checklist. Of 11 studies included, nine focused on performance, six on body composition and four on muscle recovery. Cohen’s d effect sizes showed that protein supplementation improved performance outcomes in response to concurrent training (ES = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.08–1.70). When analysed separately, improvements in muscle strength (SMD = +4.92 kg, 95% CI = −2.70–12.54 kg) were found, but not in aerobic endurance. Gains in fat-free mass (SMD = +0.75 kg, 95% CI = 0.44–1.06 kg) and reductions in fat-mass (SMD = −0.99, 95% CI = −1.43–0.23 kg) were greater with protein supplementation. Most studies did not report protein turnover, nitrogen balance and/or total daily protein intake. Therefore, further research is warranted. However, our findings infer that protein supplementation may support lean-mass accretion and strength gains during arduous concurrent training in physical active populations, including military recruits.
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Athletes engaged in power-based sports are advised to ingest 1.7-2.2 g·kg-1 protein.
“while those engaged in power-based sports are advised to ingest 1.7–2.2 g·kg–1 [73]”
From Nutritional Strategies to Improve Post-exercise Recovery and Subsequent Exercise Performance: A Narrative Review (2025) · cites this paper as [73]
The Discussion (§4.1; page not provided) calls 1.7–2.2 g·kg−1·day−1 a current recommendation in the context of arduous concurrent training. It does not identify that range as advice specifically for athletes in power-based sports; §4.2 also discusses the range for periods of intense or high-volume endurance training. (LLM, conf=0.85)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredA recent systematic review suggests protein intakes of 1.7 to 2.2 g/kg body mass per day to support lean mass adaptation during concurrent exercise training.
“In support, a recent systematic review suggests protein intakes of 1.7 to 2.2 g/kg BM/d to support lean mass adaptation during concurrent exercise training [61].”
From Nutritional Considerations for the Vegan Athlete (2023) · cites this paper as [61]
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References 92 · Cited by 17
- Authors
- Chapman, S., Chung, H. C., Rawcliffe, A. J., Izard, R., Smith, L., & Roberts, J. D.
- Affiliations
- Ministry of Defence (GB)
- Anglia Ruskin University (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Chapman, Shaun
- Venue
- Nutrients
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Published
- 2021-04-23
- Volume
- 13
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 1416
- ISSN
- 2072-6643 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC8145048
- OpenAlex
- W3159679671
- Cited by
- 17
- References
- 92
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 1
- FWCI
- 0.41
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Nutrients (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Open Access at Essex (University of Essex) (acceptedVersion)
- Anglia Ruskin Research Online (Anglia Ruskin University) (submittedVersion)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- Figshare (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Muscle metabolism and nutrition
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Orthopedics and Sports Medicine › Sports Performance and Training
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Rehabilitation › Exercise and Physiological Responses
- Keywords
- protein supplementation, concurrent training, military education, military recruits, muscle strength, fat-free mass, fat mass, muscle recovery, exercise performance, cardiorespiratory fitness, nitrogen balance
- MeSH terms
- Adaptation, Physiological, Adolescent, Adult, Body Composition, Dietary Proteins, Female, Humans, Male, Military Personnel, Risk, Exercise, Publication Bias, Muscle, Skeletal, Dietary Supplements, Young Adult
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