Introduction
To boost strength, endurance, and muscle stamina, some training programs utilize weight training as a means of accomplishing this goal. It must be noted though that weight training is often called “controlled muscle destruction” in that the act of utilizing weights destroys muscle tissue resulting in stronger and bigger muscle fibers after the recovery period (Stiefel, 174).
For this research topic, what will be investigated is whether greater amounts ingested protein through protein drinks results in decreased recovery time or becomes nothing more than excess calories in the system. This is because the body has a set limit of viable ingestible protein (35 grams per sitting) before the excess consumption is turned into fat (Murphy and Miller, 583 – 582).
Despite this, various protein powder companies have been increasing the amount of protein per serving in their products (45 grams or more). As such, this study will investigate whether there is any merit to this increase in the amount of protein per serving in terms of decreased recovery time or if there is no change whatsoever.
Problem Statement
Does the consumption of protein supplements of (45 grams or greater) result in faster recovery times due to higher protein levels or is the consumption nothing more than wasted calories? The four categories in investigating this research topic are effect of weight training, recovery times, protein consumption, and established methods of increasing recovery times.
Project Definition
The final project should be able to give a concise explanation on the effects of protein consumption on recovery time, what benefits (if any) excess protein consumption does on reducing recovery time and whether or not taking more protein than what is needed will benefit an athlete (Saunders, 103). This research project should produce both an annotated bibliography examining studies that have examined protein consumption and athlete recovery times and should also produce evidence both graphical and statistical in either proving or refuting claims.
Project Plan
- Initial research using online and library resource – 4 days
- Sorting through accumulated data and creating the initial paper outline – 1 day
- Writing the introduction and finalizing the paper outline – 1 day
- Writing the review of related literature – 3 days
- Arranging the statistical and graphical data examining recovery times and protein consumption – 1 day
- Writing the discussion and conclusion section of the paper – 1 day
- Arranging the completed annotated bibliography as well as ensuring that all data is properly cited – 1 day
- Reviewing and editing the final draft of the paper – 1 day
- Estimated Total Time for Completion – 13 days
Closing
Overall, I believe that this proposed plan of action should be able to help be complete a well detailed and insightful final project that will give readers a glimpse into effective methods and procedures in athlete recovery and its connection to protein consumption. If you would like me to proceed with the project, please return a signed copy of this proposal by October 5th.
Works Cited
Murphy, Cheryl, and Benjamin F. Miller. “Protein consumption following aerobic exercise increases whole-body protein turnover in older adults.” Applied Physiology, Nutrition & Metabolism 35.5 (2010): 583-590. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web.
Saunders, Michael J. “Coingestion of Carbohydrate-Protein During Endurance Exercise: Influence on Performance and Recovery.” International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism 17.(2007): S87-S103. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web.
Stiefel, Steve. “IF IT’S BROKE, FIX IT!.” Flex 22.7 (2004): 174. MasterFILE Complete. EBSCO. Web.