Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Gropper, Sareen

Abstract

The loss of muscle (mass, strength, and function) occurs in many individuals in their 40’s and begins to accelerate after 50 years of age resulting from multiple understood mechanisms. While many factors are thought to contribute to the changes that are observed in muscle with aging, one significant, yet modifiable factor is dietary protein intake. This study proposed to improve dietary protein intake in a group of middle-aged women living in South Florida over a 12-week period using individualized per-meal protein prescriptions (1.2 g protein/kg body weight evenly distributed for all three meals) provided by a Registered Dietitian, followed by weekly diet coaching from a Nurse Practitioner (coach). Aims included: (1) An examination of the effect of diet coaching on protein intake, nutrition knowledge, muscle mass, strength, and function and (2) An understanding of how diet coaching sessions help in the process of making dietary changes. A parallel mixed methods research design allowed for a synthesis of inferences from each aim resulting in a meta-inference highlighting interdisciplinary collaboration.

Extent

208 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2020.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00013545

Format

pdf

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