Nikitchenko S.Yu.
Russian Timiryazev State Agrarian University, Moscow

Fedyaev N.A.
Russian Timiryazev State Agrarian University, Moscow

Musaev I.S.Kh.
Russian Timiryazev State Agrarian University, Moscow

Grigorieva A.Yu.
Russian Timiryazev State Agrarian University, Moscow

Objective of the study is to systematize and analyze current scientific data on the role of protein in skeletal muscle adaptations during regular strength training.
Methods and structure of the study. A comparative analysis was performed of a group of arm wrestlers (n=20, men aged 18–25 years, with at least 2 years of training experience), who were divided into two subgroups depending on their daily protein intake: a control group (up to 1.4 g/kg body weight) and an experimental group (2.0–2.2 g/kg body weight). Changes in muscle mass (bioimpedance analysis method) and an increase in competitive strength (based on the results of specific dynamometric tests for the wrist and elbow flexor) were monitored over 10 weeks.
Results and conclusions. The experimental group showed an increase in dry muscle mass by an average of 1.4 kg versus 0.6 kg in the control group, as well as an increase in competitive strength by 13.2% versus 6.7%, respectively. The work also analyzes the effect of the time of protein intake (before, after, and during training), its uniform distribution throughout the day, and the use of protein supplements in the athletes' diet. The risks of excessive protein intake, including potential stress on the kidneys and digestive system, and the importance of an individual approach to an athlete's diet are discussed separately. The article is intended for specialists in sports medicine, nutrition, and trainers working with strength athletes.

Keywords: high-protein diet, sports nutrition, muscle hypertrophy, BCAA, strength training, amino acids.

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