Carbohydrate ingestion does not suppress increases in fatty acid-binding protein 4 concentrations post-acute aerobic exercise in healthy men: a randomized crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) has been associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Acute aerobic exercise increases circulating FABP4 concentrations, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of inhibition of lipolysis by carbohydrate ingestion on circulating FABP4 concentrations during and after acute aerobic exercise in healthy men. METHODS: Men aged between 20 and 40, with no exercise habits and no metabolic diseases, were recruited. In a randomized crossover design, the participants underwent a carbohydrate-ingestion exercise (CE) and a fasted exercise (FE) trial. The CE trial consisted of 40-min acute aerobic exercise with ingestion of carbohydrates and 60-min bed rest. The FE trial followed the same protocol as the CE trial but without carbohydrate ingestion. Venous blood samples were collected to measure hormones (adrenaline, noradrenaline, and insulin) metabolites (glycerol, free fatty acids, and glucose), and FABP4 concentrations. Ventilation and gas exchange were also collected to measure substrate oxidation. RESULTS: Thirteen healthy men participated in and completed both the CE and FE trials. The insulin concentration was more than 4 times higher in the CE trial than in the FE trial (p < 0.004, effect size [ES] > 2.00). Free fatty acid concentrations were more than 4 times lower in the CE trial than in the FE trial (p < 0.02, ES > 2.04). However, there was no significant difference in the changes in circulating FABP4 concentrations between the CE and FE trials (p = 0.108), which did not change during aerobic exercise and significantly increased post-aerobic exercise in both trials (p < 0.002, ES > 1.212). Changes in FABP4 concentrations following aerobic exercise were not significantly correlated with changes in glycerol or free fatty acid concentrations during aerobic exercise. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that suppression of lipolysis and elevation of insulin are not strongly involved in increases in FABP4 secretion following acute aerobic exercise.

Effects of a seated upper-extremity exercise program designed to improve cognitive and upper-extremity functions in older females.

[Purpose] The square-touch exercise is an upper-extremity exercise program that can be performed in a seated position and includes cognitive tasks. It was designed to maintain and improve cognitive function in older people. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a three-month square-touch exercise program on the cognitive and upper-extremity functions in older females. [Participants and Methods] The participants were divided into an intervention group of 15 individuals with a mean age of 78.1 ± 5.9 years and a control group of 16 individuals with a mean age of 81.7 ± 6.3 years. The intervention group participated in the square-touch exercise program once a week for three months. The mini-mental state examination, trail-making test, peg test, and grip strength were measured before and after the intervention. [Results] The intervention group showed improved mini-mental state examination scores as well as significantly improved attention and calculation, which are sub-items of the mini-mental state examination. [Conclusion] The square-touch exercise program may be effective for maintaining and improving cognitive function in older females.

Circulating Fatty Acid-binding Protein 4 Response to Acute Aerobic Exercise in Healthy Men.

This study aimed to investigate the association between changes in FABP4 concentration and hormone and metabolite levels during and after acute low- and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in healthy men. Eleven healthy men (24.4±1.4 years) were administered three trials in random order: 1) low-intensity aerobic exercise trial (LE trial; acute exercise at 40% peak oxygen uptake [Vo2peak]+bed rest), 2) moderate-intensity aerobic exercise trial (ME trial: acute exercise at 60%Vo2peak+bed rest), and 3) bed rest (Con trial). Expired gas and venous blood samples were collected at baseline, and immediately, 30 and 60 min after exercise, and substrate oxidation and hormone, metabolite, and FABP4 concentrations were measured. FABP4 concentration did not increase during aerobic exercise in LE and ME trials (p>0.05). However, FABP4 concentration significantly increased after the acute aerobic exercise in both the LE and ME trials (p≤0.003). Increased FABP4 concentration after acute exercise was not correlated with adrenaline, noradrenaline, other hormone, and metabolite concentration changes. These findings suggest that FABP4 concentration increases after acute aerobic exercise independently of exercise intensity. Furthermore, increased FABP4 concentration after acute aerobic exercise may not be involved in the magnitude of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and lipolytic response.

A favorable metabolic profile in metabolically healthy obesity is associated with physical activity level rather than abdominal fat volume in Japanese males.

[Purpose] To determine the potential factors for difference in metabolic profiles between metabolically healthy obesity and metabolically unhealthy obesity, we investigated the difference in abdominal fat volume, metabolic characteristics, and physical activity levels between metabolically healthy obesity and metabolically unhealthy obesity identified with cardiovascular disease risk factors in Japanese males. [Participants and Methods] Of 305 volunteers recruited, 130 obese males (age: 46.9 ± 8.9 years; body mass index: 29.6 ± 3.5 kg/m2) met the criteria for the study. They were divided into two groups; metabolically healthy obesity and metabolically unhealthy obesity according to cardiovascular disease risk factors including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Abdominal fat volumes were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Cardiovascular disease risk factors and metabolic characteristics were evaluated by blood pressure and blood parameters. Physical activity levels were measured using an accelerometer. [Results] Despite the fact that metabolically healthy obesity had a more favorable metabolic profile than the metabolically unhealthy obesity, no significant differences in visceral and subcutaneous fat volumes were found between the two groups. Moreover, the metabolically healthy obesity had a significantly greater physical activity expenditure and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity level than the metabolically unhealthy obesity. [Conclusion] A more favorable metabolic profile in metabolically healthy obesity may be associated with physical activity level rather than abdominal fat volumes in Japanese males.

Differences in circulating fatty acid-binding protein 4 concentration in the venous and capillary blood immediately after acute exercise.

BACKGROUND: Circulating fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) is a marker for various diseases. It would be highly useful to have simple and less invasive techniques for the assessment of FABP4 concentrations in the clinical research setting. The purpose of the present study was to assess the concordance of circulating FABP4 concentrations in venous and capillary blood both at rest and immediately after acute exercise in healthy young males. RESULTS: Thirty-eight healthy young male adults aged from 19 to 25 years (mean age, 20.8 ± 1.2 years) were recruited. Paired blood samples were taken from the cubital vein (venous) and fingertip (capillary) blood at rest (resting state) and immediately after incremental exercise (exercising state). Blood samples were analyzed to determine the circulating FABP4 concentration using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pearson's correlation coefficients for circulating FABP4 concentrations between venous and capillary blood samples indicated a strong positive correlation in both the resting and exercising state (resting state: r = 0.982, exercising state: r = 0.989, both p < 0.001). The mean FABP4 concentration was similar between venous and capillary blood in the resting state (p = 0.178), whereas it was significantly higher in capillary blood than in venous blood in the exercising state (p < 0.001). Furthermore, Bland-Altman plots showed a non-significant bias (- 0.07 ± 0.61 ng/mL, p = 0.453) in the resting state, whereas a significant bias (- 0.45 ± 0.61 ng/mL, p < 0.001) was observed in the exercising state. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that capillary blood sampling can slightly overestimate circulating FABP4 concentrations under a physiologically dynamic state. However, the association between the venous and capillary blood in terms of FABP4 concentration was very strong, suggesting that capillary blood sampling can detect changes in FABP4 concentration in both physiologically steady and dynamic states.

The exercise intensity of square-stepping exercise in community-dwelling late elderly females.

[Purpose] Square-stepping exercise is recommended for elderly people, as it has a positive effect on cognitive and physical functions; however, few studies have examined the exercise intensity of square-stepping exercise. Therefore, we aimed to examine the exercise intensity of square-stepping exercise in community-dwelling late elderly females. [Participants and Methods] Study 1: The participants, constituting 12 community-dwelling late elderly females (age: 78.7 ± 3.8 years), performed the three target step patterns. Exhaled gas, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion using the Borg Scale were measured during square-stepping exercise. Study 2: Participants were 57 community-dwelling elderly females (81.2 ± 4.3 years old). The exercise intensity, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion using the Borg Scale during square-stepping exercise were measured. [Results] Study 1: The average METs of the 3 target step patterns was 3.6 ± 0.7, and the %heart rate reserve and rating of perceived exertion were 54.3 ± 20.0% and 11.4 ± 1.9%, respectively. Study 2: The average METs during the square-stepping exercise program was 2.1 ± 0.2, and the %heart rate reserve and rating of perceived exertion were 19.6 ± 10.2% and 11.3 ± 1.4%, respectively. [Conclusion] Square-stepping exercise was confirmed to be a low to moderate intensity exercise program and is expected to improve health and physical fitness.

Association of abdominal fat with metabolic syndrome components in overweight women: effect of menopausal status.

BACKGROUND: The association between abdominal fat distribution and metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) components by menopausal status has yet to be explicated. The purpose of this study was to examine a cross-sectional association between abdominal fat compartments and MetSyn components in pre- and post-menopausal overweight Japanese women. METHODS: Of 212 overweight Japanese women, 76 pre-menopausal overweight (BMI ≥ 25) women (PreM age, 42.1 ± 5.9 years) and 87 post-menopausal overweight women (PostM: age, 56.2 ± 4.5 years) were analyzed in this study. Measurements were taken for body mass index (BMI), abdominal compartments [visceral fat (VF), subcutaneous fat (SF), superficial subcutaneous fat (SSF), and deep subcutaneous fat (DSF)], serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Abdominal compartments were assessed using computed tomography. RESULTS: No significant differences were found for BMI, SF, SSF, or DSF between the PreM and PostM. Despite this, the PreM had a significantly smaller VF area than that of the PostM. However, the difference in VF area disappeared when age was adjusted for. VFA significantly correlated with HDLC, TG, and FPG independently of menopause status. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the effect of menopause status on the association between VF and MetSyn components is negligible. Abdominal subcutaneous fat compartments were not associated with MetSyn components in overweight women regardless of menopausal status.

Comparison of plasma fatty acid binding protein 4 concentration in venous and capillary blood.

Circulating fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) is associated with various diseases and simple and less invasive techniques for assessment of FABP4 concentration are required in clinical research setting. The purpose of the present study was to assess the correlation of plasma FABP4 concentration between venous and capillary blood in healthy young adults. Twenty-eight healthy young adults aged from 20 to 26 years (mean age, 22.2 ± 1.4 years, 14 males and 14 females) were included. Paired resting blood samples were taken from the cubital vein (venous) and fingertip (capillary) blood. Plasma FABP4 concentration in both blood was analyzed by enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay. Plasma FABP4 concentration did not differ significantly between venous and capillary blood (-0.11± 0.75 ng/mL, p = 0.447, 95%CI: -0.402-0.182). Pearson's correlation coefficient for plasma FABP4 concentration between venous and capillary blood samples suggests strong correlation (r = 0.961, p < 0.001). The Bland & Altman plot showed a non-significant bias (-0.11 ± 0.75 ng/mL, p = 0.684) and the 95% limits of agreement ranged from -1.59 to 1.37 ng/mL. FABP4 concentration in both venous and capillary blood was significantly higher in females than in males (venous blood: p = 0.041; capillary blood: p = 0.049). These results suggest that capillary blood sampling can detect gender difference and is useful for the assessment of FABP4 concentration.

Left Ventricular Diastolic Function During the Normal Peripartum Period.

BACKGROUND: Because cardiovascular function and hemodynamics markedly change during pregnancy, our aim was to elucidate left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in pregnant women.Methods and Results:We prospectively collected the data of 397 pregnant women treated between 2012 and 2013. We evaluated their LV systolic and diastolic functions via echocardiography during the 3rd trimester (28-30 weeks' gestation) and within 4 days of delivery. Additionally, we analyzed the cardiac geometry: relative wall thickness and LV mass index (LVMI). Diastolic dysfunction was defined as early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (e') <7 cm/s and peak early filling velocity (E)/e' ratio >15. The pregnant women were 33.7±5.0 years old and the prevalence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) was 4.0%. LV systolic function was preserved in all pregnant women. However, diastolic function significantly decreased after delivery (mean e': 12.6 vs. 11.6 cm/s, P<0.0001; median E/e' ratio: 6.4 vs. 7.3, P<0.0001). Diastolic function after delivery was associated with the prevalence of HDP (P=0.035) and was correlated with age (R=-0.17, P=0.0009) and LVMI (R=-0.30, P<0.0001). However, these changes in diastolic function remained within the normal range and only 1 woman (1/397, 0.3%) had LV diastolic dysfunction after delivery. CONCLUSIONS: LV diastolic function decreased after delivery in pregnant women but was within the normal range.

Factors associated with increased levels of brain natriuretic peptide and cardiac troponin I during the peripartum period.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the values and the changes of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and cardiac troponin in pregnant women. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively collected the data of 405 pregnant women who were treated at Japanese general hospital between 2012 and 2013. We analyzed their laboratory data and echocardiographic findings during the third trimester (28-30 weeks' gestation) and within 4 days of delivery. In addition, we evaluated the factors associated with elevation of BNP and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels. The pregnant women were 33.8 ± 5.0 years old and the prevalence of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and placental abnormality was 4.2% and 2.5%, respectively. BNP levels increased after delivery (13.2 pg/mL vs. 23.5 pg/mL; P <0.001), correlated with increased left ventricular diastolic dimension (P = 0.035), left atrial dimension (P <0.001), and decreased hemoglobin (P <0.001). Moreover, cTnI levels increased to over 0.015 ng/mL after delivery in 4.0% of pregnant women. In multivariate analysis, PIH (OR: 18.71, P = 0.003), placental abnormality (OR: 26.78, P = 0.007), and decreased hemoglobin after delivery (OR: 2.59, P <0.001) were the factors associated with elevated cTnI. CONCLUSIONS: BNP levels increased in association with cardiac chamber enlargement and decreased hemoglobin after delivery. Additionally, the factors affecting elevated cTnI levels were related to labor and delivery.

Short-term high-fat diet alters postprandial glucose metabolism and circulating vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in healthy males.

Short-term intake of a high-fat diet aggravates postprandial glucose metabolism; however, the dose-response relationship has not been investigated. We hypothesized that short-term intake of a eucaloric low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet (LCHF) would aggravate postprandial glucose metabolism and circulating adhesion molecules in healthy males. Seven healthy young males (mean ± SE; age: 26 ± 1 years) consumed either a eucaloric control diet (C, approximately 25% fats), a eucaloric intermediate-carbohydrate/intermediate-fat diet (ICIF, approximately 50% fats), or an LCHF (approximately 70% fats) for 3 days. An oral meal tolerance test (MTT) was performed after the 3-day dietary intervention. The concentrations of plasma glucose, insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) were determined at rest and during MTT. The incremental area under the curve (iAUC) of plasma glucose concentration during MTT was significantly higher in LCHF than in C (P = 0.009). The first-phase insulin secretion indexes were significantly lower in LCHF than in C (P = 0.04). Moreover, the iAUC of GLP-1 and VCAM-1 concentrations was significantly higher in LCHF than in C (P = 0.014 and P = 0.04, respectively). The metabolites from ICIF and C were not significantly different. In conclusion, short-term intake of eucaloric diet containing a high percentage of fats in healthy males excessively increased postprandial glucose and VCAM-1 concentrations and attenuated first-phase insulin release.

Effects of Acute Endurance Exercise Performed in the Morning and Evening on Inflammatory Cytokine and Metabolic Hormone Responses.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of endurance exercise performed in the morning and evening on inflammatory cytokine responses in young men. METHODS: Fourteen healthy male participants aged 24.3 ± 0.8 years (mean ± standard error) performed endurance exercise in the morning (0900-1000 h) on one day and then in the evening (1700-1800 h) on another day with an interval of at least 1 week between each trial. In both the morning and evening trials, the participants walked for 60 minutes at approximately 60% of the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) on a treadmill. Blood samples were collected to determine hormones and inflammatory cytokines at pre-exercise, immediately post exercise, and 2 h post exercise. RESULTS: Plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and adrenaline concentrations were significantly higher immediately after exercise in the evening trial than in the morning trial (P < 0.01, both). Serum free fatty acids concentrations were significantly higher in the evening trial than in the morning trial at 2 h after exercise (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between the levels of IL-6 immediately post-exercise and free fatty acids 2 h post-exercise in the evening (r = 0.68, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the effect of acute endurance exercise in the evening enhances the plasma IL-6 and adrenaline concentrations compared to that in the morning. In addition, IL-6 was involved in increasing free fatty acids, suggesting that the evening is more effective for exercise-induced lipolysis compared with the morning.

Effects of a single bout of aerobic exercise on short-term low-carbohydrate/high-fat intake-induced postprandial glucose metabolism during an oral glucose tolerance test.

OBJECTIVE: A single bout of exercise can improve acute postprandial glucose metabolism aggravated by short-term low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet (HFD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a single bout of aerobic exercise on short-term HFD-induced postprandial glucose and incretin metabolism during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). MATERIALS/METHODS: Eleven healthy young men (age [mean±SE] 27±1 years; body mass index, 22±1 kg/m(2)) performed three, 3-day interventions in randomized order: (1) a normal diet (ND: ~22% fat), (2) an HFD (~69% fat) and (3) an HFD with a single bout of aerobic exercise (HFDEx). The exercise (50% peak oxygen consumption; ~200 kcal) was performed on the third day in HFDEx. An OGTT was performed after each 3-day dietary intervention. RESULTS: The incremental area under the curve (iAUC) of plasma glucose levels during the OGTT was significantly higher in the HFD and HFDEx trials than in the ND trial (P=0.001). In addition, the iAUC of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) level was significantly higher in the HFD trial than in the ND and HFDEx trials (P=0.04). The first-phase insulin secretion indexes were significantly lower in the HFD (P=0.01 and 0.002) and HFDEx trials (P=0.05 and 0.008) than in the ND trial. CONCLUSION: A single bout of aerobic exercise did not improve the short-term HFD-induced aggravation of postprandial glucose and insulin metabolism during the OGTT. However, it did normalize the increased postprandial GLP-1 level induced by HFD.

Effects of different modes of exercise on appetite and appetite-regulating hormones.

The present study determined the changes in appetite and appetite-regulating gut hormones during and following bouts of both rope skipping exercise (weight-bearing) and bicycle ergometer exercise (non-weight-bearing). After a 12-h fast, 15 young men (mean ± SD, age 24.4 ± 1.7 yrs, maximal oxygen uptake 47.0 ± 6.5 mL/kg/min) participated in three 160 min trials: (1) rope skipping exercise (295 ± 40 kcal, 3 sets × 10 min with 5-min interval, then rested for 120 min); (2) bicycle ergometer exercise (288 ± 36 kcal, 3 sets × 10 min with 5-min interval, then rested for 120 min); (3) control (rested for 160 min). Ratings of perceived hunger and acylated ghrelin were suppressed and total peptide YY (PYY) were increased during and immediately after exercise in both exercise trials, but glucagon liked peptide-1 was not changed. Furthermore, suppressed hunger during rope skipping exercise was greater than that during bicycle ergometer exercise, but there were no differences in acylated ghrelin and total PYY. These results indicate that weight-bearing exercise has a greater exercise-induced appetite suppressive effect compared with non-weight-bearing exercise, and both forms of exercise lowered acylated ghrelin and increased total PYY, but the changes did not differ significantly between exercise modes.

Effects of sleep deprivation on autonomic and endocrine functions throughout the day and on exercise tolerance in the evening.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sleep deprivation on autonomic and endocrine functions during the day and on exercise tolerance in the evening. Ten healthy young males completed two, 2-day control and sleep deprivation trials. For the control trial, participants were allowed normal sleep from 23:00 to 07:00 h. For the sleep deprivation trial, participants did not sleep for 34 h. Autonomic activity was measured from 19:00 h on day 1 to 16:00 h on day 2 by frequency-domain measures of heart rate variability. Endocrine function was examined by measuring adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol from venous blood samples collected on day 2 at 09:00, 13:00, and 17:00 h and immediately after an exercise tolerance testing. Autonomic regulation, particularly parasympathetic regulation estimated from the high-frequency component of heart rate variability analysis, was significantly higher in the sleep deprivation trial than in the control trial in the morning and afternoon of day 2. Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations were significantly higher at 09:00 and 13:00 h of day 2 under sleep deprivation. Heart rate during exercise was significantly lower following sleep deprivation. Therefore, the effects of sleep deprivation on autonomic regulation depend on the time of the day.

Effects of exercise training on circulating retinol-binding protein 4 and cardiovascular disease risk factors in obese men.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 12-week exercise training on circulating retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) concentration and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in obese men. METHODS: 29 obese men (age 48 ± 2 years; BMI 29.6 ± 0.7 kg/m(2)) participated in a 12-week exercise program (50-70% maximal heart rates; 3 times/week) without calorie restriction. Anthropometric parameters, CVD risk factors (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index), and circulating RBP4 and adipokine (adiponectin, leptin, and interleukin-6 (IL-6)) concentrations were measured. RESULTS: Exercise training significantly improved in absolute peak oxygen consumption (p < 0.05), and CVD risk factors (p < 0.05), with the exception of HDLC. There was a significant decrease in circulating RBP4, leptin, and IL-6 concentrations (p < 0.05). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that changes in RBP4 concentration were independently related to the changes in TG concentration (ß = 0.46, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that exercise training without calorie restriction improves several CVD risk factors and circulating RBP4 and adipokine concentrations. Moreover, the change in circulating RBP4 may be more associated with the improvements in TG concentration in obese men.

Appetite after rope skipping may differ between males and females.

BACKGROUND: When previously sedentary males and females follow the same exercise training programs with ad libitum feeding, males reduced body mass, but females do not, which suggests that females may increase appetite in response to exercise training compared with males. Rope skipping is traditional exercise modality that everyone had experienced during elementary school years in Japan. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a sex difference on appetite after acute rope skipping exercise. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirteen healthy young males (22.5 ± 0.8 years, 172.2 ± 1.7 cm, 68.8 ± 2.3 kg, 18.4 ± 0.9%) and 13 females (22.9 ± 0.8 years, 160.6 ± 1.5 cm, 52.9 ± 1.6 kg, 25.0 ± 1.0%) participated in this study. Subjects consumed their lunch by 13:00, and performed a total of 20 min rope skipping exercise (2 sets × 10 min with 5 min interval) from 16:00. In females, appetite significantly increased from immediately after the exercise to 30 min after the exercise (from 13 mm to 30 mm), but remained unchanged in males. Although heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion, and lactate concentrations increased from baseline to immediately after exercise, there were no differences in the increase between males and females. Blood glucose concentrations at baseline and 30 min after exercise were higher in females than in males. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that rope skipping exercise induces an increase in appetite in females, but not in males. This increased appetite in females after the rope skipping exercise was induced without change in blood glucose concentrations.

Chronic effect of light resistance exercise after ingestion of a high-protein snack on increase of skeletal muscle mass and strength in young adults.

We have previously reported on the possibility that light resistance exercise performed with a high plasma amino acid concentration resulting from the ingestion of a high-protein snack (HPS; 15 g protein, 18 g sugar) 3 h after a basal meal promotes the utilization of amino acids in peripheral tissues such as muscle in both rats and humans. In the present study, we further examined the effectiveness of a daily routine involving ingestion of HPS 3 h after a basal meal and subsequent light resistance exercise (dumbbell exercise) in increasing the mass and strength of human muscle. Ten young adult males were subject to the following 3 conditions for 5 wk each, with sufficient recovery period between each condition: (1) Snack-Exercise (SE), (2) Snack-Sedentary (SS), and (3) No snack-Exercise (NE). The SE group showed a significant increase in lean body mass and total cross-sectional area (CSA) of the right forearm muscles along with a significant decrease in body fat mass. The SS group showed no change in body composition. Furthermore, the SE group showed significant increase in grip strength and isometric knee extensor muscle strength, while the SS group showed no increase in muscle strength. The NE group showed significant increase in grip strength. In conclusion, daily routine ingestion of HPS 3 h after a basal meal and subsequent light resistance exercise is effective in increasing the mass and strength of human muscle.