P1 Effects of a short-term paleolithic diet on fitness and body composition
Michael Dahlinghaus (dahinghausmichaelf@sau.edu)
St. Ambrose University, Davenport IA, USA
Background
A paleolithic diet aims at mimicking the type of foods that hunter-gatherers would have most likely consumed. While the adoption and popularity of a paleolithic diet has raised among the general population and fitness communities, there has been little research documenting its effect on general fitness (max strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular endurance) and body composition. The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to study the effects of adopting a paleolithic diet (PD) on general fitness performance and body composition in an active population.
Methods
Nineteen (mean ± SD age = 20.89 ± 2.07) physically active males (n = 13) males and females (n = 6) volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: a paleolithic group (PG) (males, n = 8; females, n = 3) and control group (males, n = 5; females, n = 3). Both groups underwent a pre fitness and body composition assessment. This assessment included height, weight, blood pressure (BP), body fat percentage, one repetition maximum (1RM) back squat, 1RM bench press, push up test to failure (PUT), and a Vo2 max test (1.5 mile run). The PG was then instructed to follow a PD for three weeks. This eliminated grains, dairy, and processed food from their normal diet. The control group maintained their normal diet. Both groups were instructed to continue their normal exercise program (exercising ≥3x a week). After three weeks, both groups underwent a post-test consisting of the same initial assessments. A paired sample t-test was used to investigate statistically significant differences between the pre and post-tests for the experimental and control group.
Results
For the experimental group, mean weight decreased significantly by 3.27lbs (P < .05) and systolic BP by 7.46 (P < .043). Mean PUT increased by 7.36 (P < .001). The only significant variable in the control group was a mean increase in PUT by 3 (P < .03).
Conclusion
This short intervention did find some favorable effect consuming a Paleolithic Diet. A PD may be an effective means at reducing weight, decreasing systolic blood pressure, while maintaining physical fitness in active populations.