Author(s): SONG, W., SEO, J., JIANG, S., AHN, S., KANG, Y., SUNG, Y., LI, X., JAMRASI, P. , Institution: SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, Country: KOREA, SOUTH, Abstract-ID: 226

INTRODUCTION:
Golf is a demanding sport requiring both aerobic and anaerobic energy. Nutrition is of great importance in fueling athletes and improving their performance. Recent growing evidences highlighted that performance nutrition is a critical consideration for golfers while walking around the golf course. Mixing animal and plant proteins is a relatively new approach to enhance skeletal muscle health by optimizing acid availability and minimizing environmental impacts. To the best of our knowledge, no study has examined the impact of mixed protein supplementation on golfing performance. The primary purpose of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to examine the impact of mixed protein supplementation on the swing performance and muscle strength of casual golfers.
METHODS:
Sixty participants with a handicap of less than 20 were recruited and divided into two groups: a mixed protein group (MG) and a placebo control group (CG). The participants were instructed to ingest either a supplement containing casein calcium, whey protein, and isolated pea protein, or a placebo daily for 8 weeks. Pre- and post-tests consisted of anthropometric measurements using InBody720, muscle strength (isokinetic knee and trunk strength, and handgrip strength), 2-minute push-ups, balance, and golf swing performance. Golf swing performance was measured using SG Golf equipment (Seongnam, South Korea). The participants completed a series of five successive swings using a 7-iron and a driver. The distance, head speed, and ball speed were recorded. The average value of the best 3 swings was calculated and recorded.
RESULTS:
Significant improvements in driver distance (P = 0.046) and driver ball speed (P = 0.021) were observed in the MG compared to CG. In addition, isokinetic knee flexion strength per body weight (P = 0.012), handgrip strength (P = 0.004), 2-minute push-up performance (P = 0.004), and balance (P = 0.009) were also significantly improved in the MG after 8 weeks of mixed protein ingestion compared to CG. However, there were no significant differences in body composition between the two groups (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION:
The major findings of this study were that mixed protein supplement intake for 8 weeks significantly increased all golf performance variables, including distance, head speed, and ball speed, for both drivers and 7-iron players compared with placebo. Additionally, mixed protein supplementation induced an increase in isokinetic knee flexion and handgrip strength. No safety concerns were reported. In conclusion, the intake of a mixed protein diet containing both animal and plant proteins had positive effects on golf performance and muscle function, although it did not increase muscle mass. Therefore, mixed proteins could be a safe and effective approach for golf players to overcome the environmental problems of animal proteins and the relatively low quality of plant proteins.