PP164 - INCREASED PROTEIN AND FISH OIL INTAKE TO ENHANCE RECOVERY AFTER ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY: RESULTS OF A PILOT RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

PP164

INCREASED PROTEIN AND FISH OIL INTAKE TO ENHANCE RECOVERY AFTER ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY: RESULTS OF A PILOT RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

D. L. Nyman^1,*, C. J. Pufahl¹, E. J. Ferguson¹, C. T. Ferguson¹, B. Ross¹, T. Stokes¹, C. A. Simpson², I. Janssen¹, B. J. Gurd¹, L. M. Giangregorio³, D. D. Bardana⁴, C. McGlory^1,5

¹School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, ²Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ³Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ⁴Department of Surgery, ⁵Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada

Rationale: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction [ACLR] surgery induces rapid decrements in lower limb skeletal muscle size, strength, and power. These effects may be attenuated by daily supplementation with combined essential amino acids [EAA] and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids [n-3 PUFA].

Methods: This double-blind pilot randomized controlled trial recruited adult ACLR patients from a single centre across 18 months to consume 6 weeks [wks] of combined nutritional supplementation or placebo. From -4 to 2 wks (ACLR = day 0), participants consumed 5 g/day of n-3 PUFA (3.75g eicosapentaenoic acid + 1.25 g docosahexaenoic acid) or safflower oil. From -1 to 2 wks, participants consumed an additional 40 g/day of EAA or non-essential amino acids, respectively. Supplement adherence was reported by returned product counts. Participant diet and exercise were not modified beyond standard care. Quadriceps volume was measured using magnetic resonance imaging at -1 day and 2 wks. Lower limb skeletal muscle strength and power were assessed using isometric and isotonic dynamometry and the Stair Climb Power Test at -4 and 8 wks. Erythrocyte phospholipid fatty acid profiles were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography of fasted venous blood samples obtained at -4 wks, -1 day, and 2 wks. Vastus lateralis biopsies were obtained at -4 wks, -3 days, -1 day and 2 wks to assess exploratory outcomes regulating skeletal muscle protein turnover. Data were analyzed using unpaired t-tests and linear mixed models.

Results: Thirty participants were recruited, 29 consented to skeletal muscle biopsies, and 28 were retained at the end of study. See Table 1 for summary of trial results.

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Conclusion: ACLR surgery initiated declines in lower limb skeletal muscle size, strength, and power that were not affected by daily combined n-3 PUFA and EAA supplementation.

Disclosure of Interest: D. Nyman: None declared, C. Pufahl: None declared, E. Ferguson: None declared, C. Ferguson: None declared, B. Ross: None declared, T. Stokes: None declared, C. Simpson: None declared, I. Janssen: None declared, B. Gurd: None declared, L. Giangregorio: None declared, D. Bardana: None declared, C. McGlory Grant / Research Support from: Epax in 2025 (honorarium) to present an educational lecture.