High-intensity Resistance Exercise Training Research Articles

Network Analysis Identifies Circulating MicroRNA Associated With Muscle Mass Gains In Resistance Trained Older Adults

Purpose: Age related muscle loss (sarcopenia) is a major contributor to functional disability and all-cause mortality. Rescuing muscle mass in older adults has been most effective with resistance exercise training (RT). We have previously demonstrated that 3d/wk of heavy RT in older adults may blunt the hypertrophic response to progressive resistance training. We postulate that this effect may be mediated by epigenetic factors, such as, microRNA (miRNA), resulting in impaired muscle mass growth. We hypothesize that insufficient recovery time may contribute to attenuated hypertrophic responses to RT if intensive loading occurs too frequently (i.e. 3 d/wk). The present study is a follow up molecular analysis of two RT cohorts from our previous clinical trial (NCT02442479) in which optimal exercise dose for aging individuals (60-75y) was determined from four RT cohorts. That trial determined that a dose consisting of 2 d/wk high-intensity RT separated by a low-intensity, concentric only day (HLH) was superior to 3 d/wk high-intensity RT (HHH) for thigh lean mass gains. Methods: The present study sequenced circulating miRNA from serum exosomes pre- and post- 35 weeks of RT in 19 individuals that underwent either HLH or HHH RT. Subsequent analysis was performed via weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify modules of eigengenes with miRNA membership correlated with treatment and thigh lean mass gains. Network analysis and visualization of these modules were performed. Results and Conclusion: WGCNA identified modules correlated with treatment (p = 0.03, p = 0.05) and with thigh lean mass gains (p = 0.006 and p = 0.01) at the final time point (35wk). Pathway analysis provides insight into regulated pathways that may be attributed RT frequency and subsequent magnitude of thigh lean mass hypertrophy between the two treatment groups. Altogether, this analysis reports on a molecular exercise response in aging individuals that may better inform exercise dose optimization, as well as, deepen our understanding of inter-individual response heterogeneity. Supported by T32HD071866 and P2CHD086851.

Effects of 4-Week Tangeretin Supplementation on Cortisol Stress Response Induced by High-Intensity Resistance Exercise: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of 4-week tangeretin supplementation on the cortisol stress response induced by high-intensity resistance exercise. Methods: A randomized controlled trial of twenty-four soccer players was conducted during the winter training season. The experimental group (EG) took the oral supplement with tangeretin (200 mg/day) and the control group (CG) took placebo for 4 weeks. Before and after the 4-week intervention, all players performed a high intensity bout of resistance exercise to stimulate their cortisol stress responses. Serum cortisol, adreno-corticotropic hormone (ACTH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were obtained by collecting blood samples before (PRE), immediately after (P0), and 10 (P10), 20 (P20) and 30 minutes (P30) after the exercise. Results: The serum cortisol level (PRE, p = 0.017; P10, p = 0.010; P20, p = 0.014; P30, p = 0.007) and ACTH (P10, p = 0.037; P30, p = 0.049) of experimental group significantly decreased after the 4-week intervention. Compared with control group, EG displayed a significantly lower level of the serum cortisol (PRE, p = 0.036; P10, p = 0.031) and ACTH (P30, p = 0.044). Additionally, EG presented significantly higher superoxide dismutase activity level compared with CG at P30 (p = 0.044). The white blood cell of EG decreased significantly (PRE, p = 0.037; P30, p = 0.046) and was significantly lower than CG at P20 (p = 0.01) and P30 (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Four-week tangeretin supplementation can reduce serum cortisol and ACTH, which may ameliorate the cortisol stress response in soccer players during high-intensity resistance exercise training. It can also enhance antioxidant capacity, accelerate the elimination of inflammation throughout the body, and shorten recovery time after high-intensity exercise.

Detraining Effects on Muscle Quality in Older Men with Osteosarcopenia. Follow-Up of the Randomized Controlled Franconian Osteopenia and Sarcopenia Trial (FrOST)

The present study aimed to determine the effect of detraining on muscle quality (MQ) in older men with osteosarcopenia. Forty-three community-dwelling older men (78 ± 4 years) were randomly allocated to a consistently supervised high-intensity resistance exercise training (HIRT) group (n = 21) or a control group (CG, n = 22). The HIRT scheduled a periodized single set protocol twice weekly. After the intervention, the men were subjected to six months of detraining. Muscle quality (MQ), defined as maximum isokinetic hip/leg extensor strength per unit of mid-thigh intra-fascia volume, was determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or per unit of thigh muscle mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Intention-to-treat analysis with multiple imputations was applied. We observed significant exercise effects for MQ (p = 0.001). During detraining, the HIRT group lost about one-third of the intervention-induced gain and displayed significantly (p = 0.001) higher MQ reductions compared to the CG. Nevertheless, after training and detraining, the overall intervention effect on MQ remained significant (p ≤ 0.004). In summary, six months of absence from HIRT induce a significant deleterious effect on MQ in older osteosarcopenic men. We conclude that intermitted training programs with training breaks of six months and longer should be replaced by largely continuous exercise programs, at least when addressing MQ parameters.

Effect of high-intensity resistance exercise on cardiometabolic health in older men with osteosarcopenia: the randomised controlled Franconian Osteopenia and Sarcopenia Trial (FrOST)

ObjectivesSarcopenia is related to the metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of cardiometabolic risk-factors (CRF). Most exercise trials apply aerobic rather than resistance exercise to address CRF, while the strategy for...

High Intensity Resistance Exercise Training vs. High Intensity (Endurance) Interval Training to Fight Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Overweight Men 30-50 Years Old.

Cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases are leading causes of death worldwide. Exercise favorably affects this problem, however only few invest (enough) time to favorably influence cardiometabolic risk-factors and cardiac morphology/performance. Time-effective, high-intensity, low-volume exercise protocols might increase people's commitment to exercise. To date, most research has focused on high-intensity interval training (HIIT), the endurance type of HIT, while corresponding HIT-resistance training protocols (HIT-RT) are rarely evaluated. In this study we compared the effect of HIIT vs. HIT-RT, predominately on cardiometabolic and cardiac parameters in untrained, overweight-obese, middle-aged men. Eligible, untrained men aged 30–50 years old in full-time employment were extracted from two joint exercise studies that randomly assigned participants to a HIIT, HIT-RT or corresponding control group. HIIT predominately consisted of interval training 90 s−12 min, (2–4 sessions/week), HIT-RT (2–3 sessions/week) was applied as a single set resistance training to muscular failure. Core intervention length of both protocols was 16 weeks. Main inclusion criteria were overweight-obese status (BMI 25–35 kg/m2) and full employment (occupational working time: ≥38.5 h/week). Primary study-endpoint was the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) Z-Score, secondary study-endpoints were ventricular stroke volume index (SVI) and myocardial mass index (MMI) as determined by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The Intention to treat (ITT) principle was applied to analyze the summarized data set. Twenty-seven eligible men of the HIT-RT and 30 men of the HIIT group were included in the ITT. Both interventions significantly (p < 0.001) improve the MetS Z-Score, however the effect of HIIT was superior (p = 0.049). In parallel, HIT-RT and HIIT significantly affect SVI and MMI, with the effect of HIIT being much more pronounced (p < 0.001). Although HIIT endurance exercise was superior in favorably affecting cardiometabolic risk and particularly cardiac performance, both exercise methods positively affect cardiometabolic risk factors in this overweight to obese, middle-aged cohort of males with low time resources. Thus, the main practical application of our finding might be that in general overweight-obese people can freely choose their preferred exercise type (HIIT-END or HIT-RT) to improve their cardiometabolic health, while investing an amount of time that should be feasible for everybody.Trial Registrations: NCT01406730, NCT01766791.

High Intensity Resistance Exercise Training to Improve Body Composition and Strength in Older Men With Osteosarcopenia. Results of the Randomized Controlled Franconian Osteopenia and Sarcopenia Trial (FrOST).

Considerably decreased muscle mass and function are subsumed under “sarcopenia,” a geriatric syndrome. Dedicated exercise programs maintain muscle mass and function; however, due to the limited enthusiasm of older adults to exercise, it is important to generate low-threshold interventions for this vulnerable cohort. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of low volume/high intensity resistance exercise training (HIT-RT) combined with protein supplementation on body composition and strength in older men with sarcopenia and osteopenia (osteosarcopenia). Forty-three community-dwelling (cdw) older men (78 ± 4 years) with osteosarcopenia were randomly allocated to a consistently supervised HIT-RT (n = 21) or an inactive control group (CG, n = 22). HIT-RT scheduled a single set protocol with high intensity and effort applied twice a week for 36 weeks so far. Both groups were supplemented with Vit-D (800 IE/d), calcium (1,000 mg/d) and whey-protein (CG: 1.2 vs. HIT-RT: 1.5–1.7 g/kg/d). Study endpoints were body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) and maximum isokinetic hip/leg-extensor strength (MIES) by leg-press. After 36 weeks, one participant who developed prostate cancer after inclusion in the study (HIT-RT) and two participants who lost interest (CG, HIT-RT) quit the study. Attendance rate for HIT-RT averaged 93 ± 5%. Total and thigh lean body mass (LBM) significantly (p < 0.001) increased in the HIT-RT and was maintained in the CG (p = 0.46 and 0.37). Differences between the groups for changes of total and thigh LBM were pronounced (p < 0.001; SMD d′ = 1.17 and 1.20). Total and abdominal body fat percentage decreased significantly in the HIT-RT (p < 0.001) and increased in the CG (p = 0.039 and p = 0.097). Intergroup differences were significant (p < 0.001; SMD: d′ = 1.35 and 1.28). Finally, MIES was maintained in the CG (p = 0.860), and improved significantly (p < 0.001) in the HIT-RT. Differences between the groups were significant (p < 0.001, SMD: d′ = 2.41). No adverse effects of the intervention were observed. In summary, the HIT-RT/protein protocol significantly affected body composition and strength in cdw men 72 years+ with osteosarcopenia. In the absence of negative side effects, the intervention was feasible, attractive and time effective. Thus, we conclude that supervised HIT-RT might be an exercise option for older men.

Green Tea Supplementation During Resistance Training Minimally Affects Systemic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Indices in Obese Men

Background: It is well known that green tea has antioxidant properties. Accordingly, it is important to investigate the effects of green tea on systemic inflammation and oxidative stress indices in humans during high intensity resistance training, especially in obese men. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of green tea extract supplementation during high intensity resistance exercise training on oxidative stress and systemic inflammation indices in obese men. Methods: Twenty obese men (body mass index ≥ 30) voluntarily participated in the current study and were randomly assigned to groups of green tea and high intensity resistance training (RT) (GR; n = 10) and placebo and high intensity resistance training (PR; n = 10). RT was performed three times a week on non-consecutive days for eight weeks. The training started at 80% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), and training intensity reached to 90 - 95% of 1RM till the end of the eighth week. The GR group consumed a green tea capsule (500 mg) each day during the eight weeks. Blood samples were collected before and after the intervention and were tested for malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Concentrations of ofinterleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in plasma were also measured. Results: The results indicated significant (P < 0.05) or near significant improvements in all the measured blood parameters with training, but no further effects (interactions) with ingestion of green tea. Also, we found that there was not any significant relationship between MDA and TAC changes and TNF-alpha and IL-6 in either group after RT intervention and supplementation (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Thus, it can be stated that low-dose green tea supplementation does not influence inflammatory and oxidative stress indices when provided along with exercise training.

L-glutamine and l-alanine supplementation increase glutamine-glutathione axis and muscle HSP-27 in rats trained using a progressive high-intensity resistance exercise.

In this study we investigated the chronic effects of oral l-glutamine and l-alanine supplementation, either in their free or dipeptide form, on glutamine-glutathione (GLN-GSH) axis and cytoprotection mediated by HSP-27 in rats submitted to resistance exercise (RE). Forty Wistar rats were distributed into 5 groups: sedentary; trained (CTRL); and trained supplemented with l-alanyl-l-glutamine, l-glutamine and l-alanine in their free form (GLN+ALA), or free l-alanine (ALA). All trained animals were submitted to a 6-week ladder-climbing protocol. Supplementations were offered in a 4% drinking water solution for 21 days prior to euthanasia. Plasma glutamine, creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin (MYO), and erythrocyte concentration of reduced GSH and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) were measured. In tibialis anterior skeletal muscle, GLN-GSH axis, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and the expression of heat shock factor 1 (HSF-1), 27-kDa heat shock protein (HSP-27), and glutamine synthetase were determined. In CRTL animals, high-intensity RE reduced muscle glutamine levels and increased GSSG/GSH rate and TBARS, as well as augmented plasma CK and MYO levels. Conversely, l-glutamine-supplemented animals showed an increase in plasma and muscle levels of glutamine, with a reduction in GSSG/GSH rate, TBARS, and CK. Free l-alanine administration increased plasma glutamine concentration and lowered muscle TBARS. HSF-1 and HSP-27 were high in all supplemented groups when compared with CTRL (p < 0.05). The results presented herein demonstrate that l-glutamine supplemented with l-alanine, in both a free or dipeptide form, improve the GLN-GSH axis and promote cytoprotective effects in rats submitted to high-intensity RE training.

Arterial stiffness and blood flow adaptations following eight weeks of resistance exercise training in young and older women

Resistance training is recommended for all adults of both sexes. The arterial stiffness and limb blood flow responses to resistance training in young and older women have not been well-studied. The purpose of this study was to examine arterial stiffness and blood flow adaptations to high-intensity resistance exercise training in young and older women. Young (aged 18–25) and older (aged 50–64) women performed full-body high-intensity resistance exercise three times per week for eight weeks. The following measurements were performed twice prior to training and once following training: carotid to femoral and femoral to tibialis posterior pulse wave velocity (PWV), blood pressure, heart rate, resting forearm blood flow and forearm reactive hyperemia. Data was analyzed by ANOVAs with alpha set at 0.05. Correlations were also examined between changes in arterial stiffness and baseline arterial stiffness values. Older subjects had higher carotid–femoral PWV than younger subjects. No significant effects were found for femoral-tibialis posterior PWV or for resting forearm blood flow. Changes in carotid–femoral and femoral-tibialis posterior PWV correlated significantly with their respective baseline values. Older subjects increased peak forearm blood flow while young subjects showed no change. Total hyperemia increased significantly in both groups. In conclusion, in both young and older women, eight weeks of high-intensity resistance training appeared to improve microvascular forearm function while not changing carotid–femoral or femoral-tibialis posterior arterial stiffness. However, a large degree of individual variation was found and arterial stiffness adaptations appeared positively related to the initial stiffness values.

Effect of different types of lower body resistance training on arterial compliance and calf blood flow

Low-intensity resistance exercise combined with blood flow restriction has been shown to produce comparable increases in muscle strength and hypertrophy as traditional high-intensity (HI) resistance training. However, the vascular effects of low-intensity blood flow-restricted (LI-BFR) exercise training are not well characterized. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the vascular effects of LI-BFR, moderate-intensity (MI), and HI resistance exercise training. Forty-six young men were divided into four groups: a HI, MI or LI-BFR lower body resistance training group or a non-exercise control group (C). Blood pressure, arterial compliance and calf vascular conductance (CVC) were assessed before and after the 6-week intervention. After the intervention, CVC was significantly increased in the three exercise groups combined compared with C (47·5 ± 3·1 versus 35·0 ± 4·5 flow per mmHg) without any changes in arterial compliance in any group. These results suggest HI, MI and LI-BFR lower body resistance exercises increase CVC, but do not affect arterial compliance. LI-BFR resistance exercise may be an effective alternative to HI resistance exercise for improving vascular conductance for individuals unable to perform HI resistance exercise. As more evidence concerning the safety and efficacy of LI-BFR resistance exercise continues to mount, this may provide a research base for prescribing this type of exercise if and/or when this type of exercise becomes more available worldwide.

Does habitual dietary intake influence myofiber hypertrophy in response to resistance training? A cluster analysis

Although resistance exercise training (RT) is a common intervention to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and increase skeletal muscle mass, the optimal daily protein and total energy intakes sufficient to support RT-mediated muscle growth are as yet unclear. Further, the efficacy of RT varies widely among adults of all ages and whether this is attributable to interindividual differences in nutrition is not known. To determine if self-selected daily intake of macronutrients and specific components of dietary protein and fat are predictive of the magnitude of RT-mediated muscle growth, detailed 4-day dietary records were analyzed on 60 subjects previously clustered (K-means cluster analysis) as non-, modest, and extreme responders (non, n = 16; mod, n = 29; xtr, n = 15), based on the magnitudes of change in vastus lateralis myofiber cross-sectional area following a 16-week, 3-day-per-week, high-intensity RT. Despite the marked contrast between 60% myofiber hypertrophy in xtr and zero growth in non, we found no differences among response clusters in daily intakes of energy (mean +/- SEM: non 102 +/- 8; mod 111 +/- 6; xtr 109 +/- 5 kJ.kg-1.day-1), protein (non 0.97 +/- 0.08; mod 1.07 +/- 0.07; xtr 1.05 +/- 0.06 g.kg-1.day-1), carbohydrate (non 3.02 +/- 0.24; mod 3.18 +/- 0.20; xtr 3.14 +/- 0.17 g.kg-1.day-1), and fat (non 0.95 +/- 0.09; mod 1.05 +/- 0.08; xtr 1.03 +/- 0.08 g.kg-1.day-1), which generally met or exceeded dietary recommendations. There were no cluster differences in intakes of branched chain amino acids known to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Using the novel K-means clustering approach, we conclude from this preliminary study that protein and energy intakes were sufficient to facilitate modest and extreme muscle growth during RT and intrinsic or extrinsic factors other than nutrient ingestion apparently impaired the anabolic response in nonresponders.

Safety of resistance training in the elderly

Disuse of skeletal muscle is often cited as a potentially reversible cause of ill health in elderly people. It can lead to a serious decline in functional health and increases the risk of outpatient care, hospitalization, nursing home admission, and death. The loss of muscle mass accounts for most of the observed loss of strength. The loss of muscle tissue is due to a decrease in the number of muscle fibers and atrophy of the type II muscle fibers. The subsequent decline in strength reduces the capacity to carry out basic activities of daily life and puts people at risk for falls, impaired mobility, and dependence [1]. Although sedentary lifestyle and aging itself may contribute to muscle weakness and loss of skeletal-muscle mass, that conditions are potentially preventable or reversible with targeted interventions [2]. It has been suggested that high-intensity resistance exercise training is a feasible and effective means of counteracting muscle weakness and physical frailty in elderly people [3]. The principal goal of resistive training in the elderly is to restore physical, psychological, and vocational function. However, resistance exercise has previously been regarded as thermodynamically hazardous due to exaggerated blood pressure responses causing higher double pressure products leading to more ischemic events. Traditionally, training programs for older subjects have emphasized lower extremity aerobic exercise (i.e., walking, stationary cycle ergometer, and stair climbing). Various vocational, recreational, and other activities of daily living actually resemble heavy resistance exercise more than aerobic exercise. Many elderly people lack the ability to perform such common activities as carrying groceries or luggage or doing yard work. Therefore, it is important to recognize that the elderly require a minimum level of muscle strength for activities of daily living. Evidence has been accumulated, which suggests that resistive exercise training may be less hazardous than was once presumed. The benefits of resistance training for the elderly are improved muscle strength and endurance, enhanced bone mineral density, weight reduction, maintaining an improved self-image, and gaining confidence. Resistance training can produce a slight increase in aerobic capacity, which is associated with the increase in muscle mass. In the elderly, exercise capacity can be limited by leg fatigue resulting in termination of exercise without coexisting evidence of cardiorespiratory limitation. Studies conducted on the elderly have demonstrated increased strength with enhanced treadmill performance in circuit weight training trainees. Therefore, those with weak leg muscles will gain additional benefits if conventional endurance training is combined with resistance training. Electrocardiographic and direct arterial blood pressure responses during single-arm and single and double-leg lifting at 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM) did not reveal any clinically significant ST-segment depression, angina, or ventricular arrhythmias, except when subject were working against high resistance: 80% of 1-RM, double pressure product values exceeded those attained during cycle ergometer testing at 85% of maximal aerobic capacity. Thus, light to moderate resistive training exercise can be considered safe for low-risk cardiac patients. Even the risk of developing compromised left ventricular function is less during a workout against weight resistance compared to that in conventional clinical aerobic exercise test [7]. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act (2009) 6:1–2 DOI 10.1007/s11556-009-0047-8

Human Muscle Gene Expression following Resistance Exercise and Blood Flow Restriction

Blood flow restriction in combination with low-intensity resistance exercise (REFR) increases skeletal muscle size to a similar extent as compared with traditional high-intensity resistance exercise training. However, there are limited data describing the molecular adaptations that occur after REFR. To determine whether hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1alpha) and REDD1 mRNA are expressed differently in REFR compared with low-intensity resistance exercise with no blood flow restriction (CONTROL). Secondly, to determine whether low-intensity resistance exercise is able to induce changes in mRNA expression of several anabolic and catabolic genes as typically seen with high-intensity resistance exercise. Six subjects were studied at baseline and 3 h after a bout of leg resistance exercise (20% 1RM) in REFR and CONTROL subjects. Each subject participated in both groups, with 3 wk separating each visit. Muscle biopsy samples were analyzed for mRNA expression, using qRT-PCR. Our primary finding was that there were no differences between CONTROL and REFR for any of the selected genes at 3 h after exercise (P > 0.05). However, low-intensity resistance exercise increased HIF-1alpha, p21, MyoD, and muscle RING finger 1 (MuRF1) mRNA expression and decreased REDD1 and myostatin mRNA expression in both groups (P < 0.05). Low-intensity resistance exercise can alter skeletal muscle mRNA expression of several genes associated with muscle growth and remodeling, such as REDD1, HIF-1alpha, MyoD, MuRF1, and myostatin. Further, the results from REFR and CONTROL were similar, indicating that the changes in early postexercise gene expression were attributable to the low-intensity resistance exercise bout, and not blood flow restriction.

Statins and Dietary and Serum Cholesterol Are Associated With Increased Lean Mass Following Resistance Training

Age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) is a prevalent condition associated with disability and mortality. Exercise and optimal nutrition are interventions to prevent and treat sarcopenia, yet little is known, outside of protein, of the effect of common nutrition recommendations and medication use on exercise-related muscle gain. Forty-nine community-dwelling, 60- to 69-year-old men and women completed 2 weeks of nutrition education (American Dietetic Association recommendations) followed by 12 weeks of high intensity resistance exercise training (RET) with postexercise protein supplementation and 3x/wk dietary logs. We observed a dose-response relationship between dietary cholesterol (from food logs) and gains in lean mass that was not affected by variability in protein intake. Serum cholesterol and the serum cholesterol lowering agent statin were also independently associated with greater increases in lean mass. Dietary cholesterol was not associated with serum cholesterol or the significant reduction in blood pressure observed, but trends were observed for altered plasma C-reactive protein. These data suggest that dietary and serum cholesterol contribute to the skeletal muscles' response to RET in this generally healthy older population and that some statins may improve this response.

Blood Pressure Responses To Resistance Training In 60-69 Year Old Men And Women

PURPOSE Resistance exercise training (RET) has been shown to be an acceptable form of exercise for those with cardiovascular disease although high intensity RET may pose a risk for those with elevated blood pressure (BP). We sought to determine the affect of 12 weeks of high intensity RET on BP in 60–69 year old men and women with borderline (BTN, 120–140 mmHg, N = 24) and overt (HTN, 140–160 mmHg, N = 11) hypertension in comparison to normotensives (NTN, 100–120 mmHg, N = 10). METHODS Controlled EKG and supine, sitting and standing BP measures were collected at the beginning and end of RET as well as daily sitting pre and post exercise BP. RESULTS There was a significant main effect for BP category (p < 0.05) where higher BP was associated with a greater BP lowering (HTN = −13, BTN = −9, NTN = +1 mmHG supine systolic: HTN = −8, BTN = −6, NTN = −2 mmHG supine diastolic). Sitting and standing BP measures showed similar trends. Immediate post-exercise diastolic BPs were not significantly changed in any group while systolic BPs were significantly elevated 4±6 mmHg that was similar in all groups. No EKG changes were identified. Two subjects were excluded for persistent pre-exercise blood pressure higher than 160, a safety exclusion criteria. CONCLUSIONS The current results suggest that high intensity RET may be safe and effective to reduce BP in healthy older adults with hypertension

Blood Pressure Responses To Resistance Training In 60-69 Year Old Men And Women

PURPOSE Resistance exercise training (RET) has been shown to be an acceptable form of exercise for those with cardiovascular disease although high intensity RET may pose a risk for those with elevated blood pressure (BP). We sought to determine the affect of 12 weeks of high intensity RET on BP in 60–69 year old men and women with borderline (BTN, 120–140 mmHg, N = 24) and overt (HTN, 140–160 mmHg, N = 11) hypertension in comparison to normotensives (NTN, 100–120 mmHg, N = 10). METHODS Controlled EKG and supine, sitting and standing BP measures were collected at the beginning and end of RET as well as daily sitting pre and post exercise BP. RESULTS There was a significant main effect for BP category (p < 0.05) where higher BP was associated with a greater BP lowering (HTN = −13, BTN = −9, NTN = +1 mmHG supine systolic: HTN = −8, BTN = −6, NTN = −2 mmHG supine diastolic). Sitting and standing BP measures showed similar trends. Immediate post-exercise diastolic BPs were not significantly changed in any group while systolic BPs were significantly elevated 4±6 mmHg that was similar in all groups. No EKG changes were identified. Two subjects were excluded for persistent pre-exercise blood pressure higher than 160, a safety exclusion criteria. CONCLUSIONS The current results suggest that high intensity RET may be safe and effective to reduce BP in healthy older adults with hypertension

Effect of resistance exercise training on bone formation and resorption in young male subjects assessed by biomarkers of bone metabolism.

We studied the effects of high intensity resistance exercise training on bone metabolism in 17 young adult Oriental males (23-31 years) by measuring sensitive biomarkers of bone formation and resorption. The subjects were assigned to a training group and a sedentary group. The training group followed a weight training program three times per week for 4 months. In the training group, serum osteocalcin concentration and serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase activity were significantly increased within the first month after the beginning of resistance exercise training, and the elevated levels remained throughout the training period, while there was no significant change in plasma procollagen type-I C-terminal concentration. Urinary deoxypyridinoline excretion was transiently suppressed and returned to the initial value but was never stimulated during the 4 months. These results suggest that the resistance exercise training enhanced bone formation without prior bone resorption. In the sedentary group, there was no significant difference in bone metabolic markers except plasma procollagen type-I C-terminal, which continuously decreased during the experimental period. There were no significant changes in total and regional bone mineral density in either group. In conclusion, (1) resistance exercise training increased markers of bone formation, while it transiently suppressed a marker of bone resorption, and (2) such adaptive changes of bone metabolism to resistance exercise training occurred during the early period of the training, before changes in bone density were observable through densitometry.