Abstract
The study aimed to determine whether combining cryostimulation with resistance training would effectively increase muscle strength, and if so, whether this adaptation would be related to changes in circulating levels of exerkines (i.e., mediators of systemic adaptation to exercise). Twenty-five students completed 12 sessions of resistance training, each followed by either cryostimulation (n = 15, 3 min exposure at −110 °C) or passive recovery (n = 10). Prior to and post this intervention, participants performed two eccentric cycling bouts (before and after training). At these points, serum concentrations of muscle damage marker (myoglobin), exerkines (interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 15 (IL-15), irisin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor), hypertrophy-related factors (myostatin, insulin-like growth factor 1), and muscle strength were measured. The applied procedure reduced the physiological burden of the second eccentric cycling bout and myoglobin concentrations only in the group subject to cryostimulation. The same group also exhibited decreased levels of myostatin (from 4.7 ± 1.7 to 3.8 ± 1.8 ng·mL−1, p < 0.05). A significant and large interaction between the group × time was noted in IL-15 concentration (p = 0.01, ). Training and cryostimulation induced a positive and likely significant improvement of isokinetic muscle strength. Altogether, obtained results support the claim that resistance training combined with cold exposure modified muscle strength through modulation of myostatin and IL-15 concentrations.
Highlights
Resistance training is a form of physical activity popular among exercise novices.Compared to running or cycling, it is more technically complex and risky for individuals unaccustomed to exercise
exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is an integral part of the high-intensity and resistance training process [2], which may be associated with delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), muscle weakness, and a decreased range of motion
The range of changes in growth factors and muscle functions in response to resistance training combined with cold treatment in beginners remains an open question. In light of this background, the aim of this study was to investigate whether combining resistance training with cold treatment applied one day post the training session, would have an additional beneficial effect on muscle strength, muscle damage, and blood exerkine profile (such as interleukins (IL-6, IL-15), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), myostatin, irisin) as they are the main mediators of systemic adaptation to exercise [24]
Summary
Resistance training is a form of physical activity popular among exercise novices. Compared to running or cycling, it is more technically complex and risky for individuals unaccustomed to exercise. A lack of experience, limited motor control, or incorrect exercise technique runs the risk of injury when left unsupervised. Individuals may experience exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) [1], which can hinder exercising for several days, possibly discouraging beginners to maintain physical activity. EIMD is an integral part of the high-intensity and resistance training process [2], which may be associated with delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), muscle weakness, and a decreased range of motion. The terms EIMD and DOMS are often, erroneously, used interchangeably
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