Macro partitioning
Peri-operative protein or amino acid supplementation does not significantly improve muscle strength (quadriceps or handgrip) or functional outcomes in total joint arthroplasty patients.
Do not expect protein supplements to restore your leg strength after surgery. The evidence shows they help keep muscle mass from shrinking, but they do not significantly improve strength or walking ability on their own. You must combine supplementation with physical therapy and exercise to regain strength.
However, effects on intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) and muscle thickness (MT) were inconsistent. Muscle strength outcomes varied, with no significant effect on quadriceps muscle strength (QMS) or handgrip strength (HGS).
Why this rating
Based on meta-analysis of 7 studies for QMS and 5 for HGS, though heterogeneity was very high for QMS.
Source
Peri-operative protein or amino acid supplementation for total joint arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Yashar Khani et al. · Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research · 2025
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