Increased Muscle Mass Research Articles

Efficacy of Supersets Versus Traditional Sets in Whole-Body Multiple-Joint Resistance Training: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Iversen, VM, Eide, VB, Unhjem, BJ, and Fimland, MS. Efficacy of supersets versus traditional sets in whole-body multiple-joint resistance training: A randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): 1372-1378, 2024-Time constraints often hinder exercise engagement, necessitating exploration of time-efficient resistance training methods. Superset training, where 2 exercises are performed successively with minimal rest, nearly halves session duration but is metabolically demanding, possibly reducing strength gains. In a randomized controlled trial with blinded test leaders, we examined the efficacy of supersets versus traditional sets in a full-body, multiple-joint resistance training workout on maximal strength in the trained exercises. Subjects took part in a 3-week introductory training phase before baseline testing to ensure they were thoroughly familiarized. Next, they were randomized to a superset- or a traditional-set group, performing 10 weeks of heavy multiple-joint resistance training twice per week. The exercise programs consisted of leg press, bench press, lat pull-down, and seated rows. The traditional training group had a 5.2-kg higher improvement in pull-down than the superset group (p = 0.033), and a close to significant 4.8-kg higher improvement in seated rows (p = 0.073). The improvements in leg press and bench press were quite similar for both groups (p = 0.507-0.527). There were no changes between groups in body composition outcomes (0.151-0.640), but both groups increased muscle mass and reduced fat mass (p < 0.05). In conclusion, superset training of multi-joint exercises hampered maximal strength gains somewhat compared with traditional-set training. However, there were very similar improvements in body composition, and strength gains were observed for all exercises in the superset group. Thus, whole-body, multiple-joint superset resistance training could be a viable time-saving approach.

Enhancing miR-19a/b induced cardiomyocyte proliferation in infarcted hearts by alleviating oxidant stress and controlling miR-19 release

Fully restoring the lost population of cardiomyocytes and heart function remains the greatest challenge in cardiac repair post myocardial infarction. In this study, a pioneered highly ROS-eliminating hydrogel was designed to enhance miR-19a/b induced cardiomyocyte proliferation by lowering the oxidative stress and continuously releasing miR-19a/b in infarcted myocardium in situ. In vivo lineage tracing revealed that ∼20.47 % of adult cardiomyocytes at the injected sites underwent cell division in MI mice. In MI pig the infarcted size was significantly reduced from 40 % to 18 %, and thereby marked improvement of cardiac function and increased muscle mass. Most importantly, our treatment solved the challenge of animal death--all the treated pigs managed to live until their hearts were harvested at day 50. Therefore, our strategy provides clinical conversion advantages and safety for healing damaged hearts and restoring heart function post MI, which will be a powerful tool to battle cardiovascular diseases in patients.

Impact of Selected Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists on Serum Lipids, Adipose Tissue, and Muscle Metabolism-A Narrative Review.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are novel antihyperglycemic agents. By acting through the central nervous system, they increase satiety and reduce food intake, thus lowering body weight. Furthermore, they increase the secretion of insulin while decreasing the production of glucagon. However, recent studies suggest a more complex metabolic impact through the interaction with various other tissues. In our present review, we aim to provide a summary of the effects of GLP-1 RA on serum lipids, adipose tissue, and muscle metabolism. It has been found that GLP-1 RA therapy is associated with decreased serum cholesterol levels. Epicardial adipose tissue thickness, hepatic lipid droplets, and visceral fat volume were reduced in obese patients with cardiovascular disease. GLP-1 RA therapy decreased the level of proinflammatory adipokines and reduced the expression of inflammatory genes. They have been found to reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress in adipocytes, leading to better adipocyte function and metabolism. Furthermore, GLP-1 RA therapy increased microvascular blood flow in muscle tissue, resulting in increased myocyte metabolism. They inhibited muscle atrophy and increased muscle mass and function. It was also observed that the levels of muscle-derived inflammatory cytokines decreased, and insulin sensitivity increased, resulting in improved metabolism. However, some clinical trials have been conducted on a very small number of patients, which limits the strength of these observations.

THE LOW SERUM FERRITIN AS AN INDICATOR OF INADEQUATE NUTRITION IN INTERNATIONAL-LEVEL FEMALE SWIMMER

Introduction: Iron deficiency is a common feature in athletes, and optimizing iron levels may become a contributing factor to improved athletic performance. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate body iron stores and their relationship with sports performance. It also sought correlations between the swimmers’ hematological, hormonal, anthropometric, and functional status and their sports achievements. Methodology: The research involved 19 athletes (11 women and 8 men) from the Bulgarian national swimming team. They were tested for maximal aerobic capacity on a cycle ergometer and had blood samples taken to determine iron status and hematological and hormonal markers. Their swimming achievements (Swimming points) were evaluated as a percentage of the world records in the respective discipline. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the female and male swimmers for Unbound Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC) and ferritin. A higher UIBC in women indicated lower iron levels in them. Among female swimmers, five had ferritin levels below 40 ng/mL. In women, a highly reliable correlation between the Swimming points and ferritin concentration (r = .68) was observed. All male swimmers had ferritin values above 40 ng/mL, and there was no reliable correlation between ferritin concentration and Swimming points, probably because ferritin was in the optimal range and is no longer a significant performance factor. Conclusions: In swimmers, the optimal serum ferritin concentration is probably in the range of 40–90 ng/mL. Many female swimmers have a relative iron deficiency with sub-optimal ferritin values. In competitive female swimmers, low ferritin level is an indicator of both iron deficiency and inadequate diet. It can be expected that an adequate nutritional regime in athletes with low ferritin values will lead both to the replenishment of iron stores and to an increase in muscle mass and, ultimately, to an improvement in sports performance.

What About Water? Implications for Body Composition Assessment in Military Personnel.

Sergi, TE, Roberts, BM, and Heileson, JL. What About Water? Implications for Body Composition Assessment in Military Personnel. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): e534-e540, 2024-Body composition standards ensure service members maintain physical fitness, wellness, and support mission readiness. Anthropometric techniques (i.e., height/mass, circumference-based "tape test") have been the primary screening and percent body fat (%BF) assessment method in military personnel for about 4 decades. Recently, the Army and Marine Corps have implemented more advanced body composition assessment methods, such as air displacement plethysmography (ADP), multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA), and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), to serve as supplemental %BF assessment after failing the tape test. Although supplemental assessments are intended to improve on the accuracy and precision of the tape test, preassessment standardization, specifically regarding acute water ingestion (AWI), is lacking. Thus, the purpose of this narrative review was to (a) summarize the available literature regarding the influence of AWI on body composition estimates derived from ADP, MF-BIA, and DXA and (b) provide evidence-based recommendations for researchers and practitioners. Studies indicate that AWI increases %BF estimates with ADP (4 of 6 [4/6] observations) and MF-BIA (6/7), whereas AWI increases muscle mass (6/6) and likely decreases %BF (2/3) when obtained by DXA. In conclusion, ADP, MF-BIA, and DXA are susceptible to confounding from AWI, leading to inaccurate body composition estimates that may negatively affect the careers of military personnel. Based on the findings from this narrative review, military practitioners and researchers should (a) follow manufacturer guidelines for calorie intake [food and fluid] and exercise avoidance, (b) conduct urine-specific gravity testing [if possible], and (c) limit AWI to <250 ml before assessment.

Superoxide is an Intrinsic Signaling Molecule Triggering Muscle Hypertrophy.

Aims: Redox signaling plays a key role in skeletal muscle remodeling induced by exercise and prolonged inactivity, but it is unclear which oxidant triggers myofiber hypertrophy due to the lack of strategies to precisely regulate individual oxidants invivo. In this study, we used tetrathiomolybdate (TM) to dissociate the link between superoxide (O2•-) and hydrogen peroxide and thereby to specifically explore the role of O2•- in muscle hypertrophy in C2C12 cells and mice. Results: TM can linearly regulate intracellular O2•- levels by inhibition of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). A 70% increase in O2•- levels in C2C12 myoblast cells and mice is necessary and sufficient for triggering hypertrophy of differentiated myotubes and can enhance exercise performance by more than 50% in mice. SOD1 knockout blocks TM-induced O2•- increments and thereby prevents hypertrophy, whereas SOD1 restoration rescues all these effects. Scavenging O2•- with antioxidants abolishes TM-induced hypertrophy and the enhancement of exercise performance, whereas the restoration of O2•- levels with a O2•- generator promotes muscle hypertrophy independent of SOD1 activity. Innovation and Conclusion: These findings suggest that O2•- is an endogenous initiator of myofiber hypertrophy and that TM may be used to treat muscle wasting diseases. Our work not only suggests a novel druggable mechanism to increase muscle mass but also provides a tool for precisely regulating O2•- levels invivo.

Sodium Bicarbonate Treatment and Clinical Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease with Metabolic Acidosis: A Meta-Analysis.

In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), impaired kidney acid excretion leads to the onset of metabolic acidosis (MA). However, the evidence is not yet conclusive regarding the effects of sodium bicarbonate in treating CKD with MA. Databases with PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were used to search for randomized controlled trials from the inception until November 11, 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of sodium bicarbonate in participants with CKD and MA. The primary outcome was the change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Secondary outcomes included hospitalization rates, change in systolic blood pressure (SBP), all-cause mortality, and mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC). A random-effects model was applied for analysis, and subgroup, sensitivity analyses were also performed. Fourteen RCTs comprising 2,037 patients demonstrated that sodium bicarbonate supplementation significantly improved eGFR (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.63, P = 0.03). The group receiving sodium bicarbonate had a lower hospitalization rate (odds ratio: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.55, P < 0.001). Higher MAMC was observed with sodium bicarbonate treatment compared with those without (SMD:0.23, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.38, P = 0.003, I2 < 0.001). However, higher risk of elevated SBP was found with sodium bicarbonate treatment (SMD:0.10, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.20, P = 0.03). No significant difference in all-cause mortality was noted. In patients with CKD and MA, sodium bicarbonate supplementation may provide potential benefits in preventing the deterioration of kidney function and increasing muscle mass. However, treatment may be associated with higher blood pressure. Due to the risk of bias stemming from the absence of double-blinded designs and inconsistencies in control group definitions across the studies, further research is crucial to verify these findings.

Protein and Leucine Requirements for Maximal Muscular Development and Athletic Performance Are Achieved with Completely Plant-Based Diets Modeled to Meet Energy Needs in Adult Male Rugby Players.

Rugby athletes consume large amounts of animal protein in accordance with conventional dietary guidance to increase muscle mass and strength. This misaligns with national dietary guidelines, which suggest limiting meat consumption for chronic disease prevention. The ability of completely plant-based diets to satisfy the nutritional needs of rugby players has not been explored. This study scaled nutrient data from a large population consuming completely plant-based diets with limited supplemental protein to meet the calorie requirements of adult male rugby athletes to assess whether protein and leucine recommendations for muscular development and athletic performance would be achieved. Calorie requirements were estimated from research that employed the doubly labeled water method, and dietary data from the Adventist Health Study-2 were scaled to this level. The modeled protein level was 1.68 g/kg/day, which meets recommendations for maximal gains in muscle mass, strength, and athletic performance. The modeled leucine level was 2.9 g/meal for four daily meals, which exceeds the threshold proposed to maximally stimulate muscle protein synthesis in young men. These results indicate that consuming large portions of completely plant-based meals can satisfy protein and leucine requirements for maximal muscular development and athletic performance in adult male rugby athletes while aligning with public health recommendations.

Effects of a physical exercise programme on bodyweight, body condition score and chest, abdominal and thigh circumferences in dogs

BackgroundResearch on the effects of physical exercise on canine body composition is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a physical exercise programme on bodyweight, body condition score (BCS) and chest, abdominal and thigh circumferences in dogs. Twenty-one healthy dogs of different breeds exercised together with their owners during an eight-week programme consisting of jogging and strength exercises. Standardised measurements were performed in triplicates with a measuring tape on standing dogs. Chest circumference was measured at three anatomical locations, abdomen at two and thigh at one. Data on bodyweight, BCS (9-point scale) and circumferences were analysed with mixed model repeated measures analyses to evaluate changes after the programme and effects of target distance.ResultsSeven dog owners choose a target distance of 2 km and 14 owners choose 5–10 km. Mean BCS decreased (P = 0.007) after the programme (5.1 ± 0.9 vs. 4.7 ± 0.6) but there was no effect of target distance. Almost all chest and abdominal circumference measurements decreased (P ≤ 0.007) with the 2 km group driving the reduction in chest circumference and the 5–10 km group driving the reduction in abdominal circumference. In contrast, thigh circumference (28.8 ± 0.4 vs. 30.2 ± 0.4) increased (P = 0.007) while bodyweight was maintained. There were positive correlations between BCS and abdominal/chest ratios before and after the programme (Pearson correlation; R square ≤ 0.43, P ≤ 0.0012) but the mean ratio remained constant.ConclusionsResults indicated a redistribution between total body fat and muscle mass in body composition of normal weight to slightly overweight dogs after the physical exercise programme. The use of bodyweight alone was not a reliable evaluation method to complement the BCS assessment. However, repeated measurements of chest, abdominal and thigh circumference might aid in the assessment of body composition in dogs performing physical exercise. Further research should include a control group and objective evaluations of total body fat and lean mass, in order to investigate the effectiveness of physical exercise as a freestanding method for decreasing BCS and increasing muscle mass in overweight dogs.

Association of lipid-lowering drugs with risk of sarcopenia: a drug target mendelian randomization study and meta-analysis

BackgroundLipid-lowering drugs are widely used among the elderly, with some studies suggesting links to muscle-related symptoms. However, the causality remains uncertain.MethodsUsing the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, we assessed the causal effects of genetically proxied reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) through inhibitions of hydroxy-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), and Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) on sarcopenia-related traits, including low hand grip strength, appendicular lean mass, and usual walking pace. A meta-analysis was conducted to combine the causal estimates from different consortiums.ResultsUsing LDL-C pooled data predominantly from UK Biobank, genetically proxied inhibition of HMGCR was associated with higher appendicular lean mass (beta = 0.087, P = 7.56 × 10− 5) and slower walking pace (OR = 0.918, P = 6.06 × 10− 9). In contrast, inhibition of PCSK9 may reduce appendicular lean mass (beta = -0.050, P = 1.40 × 10− 3), while inhibition of NPC1L1 showed no causal impact on sarcopenia-related traits. These results were validated using LDL-C data from Global Lipids Genetics Consortium, indicating that HMGCR inhibition may increase appendicular lean mass (beta = 0.066, P = 2.17 × 10− 3) and decelerate walking pace (OR = 0.932, P = 1.43 × 10− 6), whereas PCSK9 inhibition could decrease appendicular lean mass (beta = -0.048, P = 1.69 × 10− 6). Meta-analysis further supported the robustness of these causal associations.ConclusionsGenetically proxied HMGCR inhibition may increase muscle mass but compromise muscle function, PCSK9 inhibition could result in reduced muscle mass, while NPC1L1 inhibition is not associated with sarcopenia-related traits and this class of drugs may serve as viable alternatives to sarcopenia individuals or those at an elevated risk.

Proteomic and transcriptomic response of human skeletal muscle to 12-week resistance training

BACKGROUND: Decreased skeletal muscle mass and properties lead to the development of various pathologies and increased risk for injuries. Studies of the molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle adaptation to resistance training to increase muscle mass and strength appear imperative for medicine and sports. AIM: To assess changes in the proteomic profile (quantitative panoramic mass spectrometric analysis) of skeletal muscles and the correlation of these changes with the expression of the corresponding mRNAs (RNA-sequencing) before and after 12 weeks of strength training and changes in the transcriptome 8 and 24 h after an acute resistance exercise with one leg. METHODS: Ten untrained men (aged 23 [20.8–25.9] years; body mass index, 22 [20.9–25.1] kg/m2) performed a two-legged seated platform press for 12 weeks (3 times/week, 50–75% of maximum voluntary contraction [MVC]). After training, the volunteers performed an acute strength exercise with one leg. Before and after 12 weeks of training, the MVC and volume of the quadriceps femoris muscle were assessed. Before and after training, as well as 8 and 24 h after the acute resistance exercise, a biopsy of the vastus lateralis muscle was performed from the loaded and contralateral limbs for immunohistochemical, proteomic (high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry), and transcriptomic (RNA-sequencing) analyses. RESULTS: The 12-week strength training increased the MVC by 19%, quadriceps femoris volume by 12%, cross-sectional area of type 2 (fast) fibers by 29%, minimum Feret diameter of type 2 fibers by 10%, and type 1 (slow) fibers by 13%. Of the 1174 detected proteins, 24 increased, and 83 decreased in content. Strength training resulted in an increase in the expression levels of 142 and a decrease in 65 of the 12,112 mRNAs detected, with enrichment for the functional terms of the extracellular environment, matrix, basement membrane, etc. Changes in the contents of 433 mRNAs after 8 h and 639 mRNAs after 24 h were found when comparing the once-loaded muscle with the contralateral one (genes associated with contractile activity). Changes in the content of only a small part of proteins (5–9 out of 107) correlated with the changes in the corresponding mRNAs. CONCLUSION: Proteomic analysis showed that the 12-week resistance training had little effect on the relative abundance of high-abundance proteins in muscles. The increase in muscle mass induced by training appears to be explained by a similar change in the synthesis/degradation rates of the detected proteins. In the comparison of proteomic data with changes in mRNA expression after 12 weeks of training and 8 and 24 h after a single load (gene response specific to contractile activity), changes in protein contents caused by strength training were regulated mainly at the post-transcriptional level.

Fat loss and muscle gain: The possible role of striatal dopaminergic tone in determining the efficacy of physical exercise

The effectiveness of exercise for obesity is contentious due to individual response variability. Owing to the roles of dopamine in motor functions, metabolism, and appetite, this study aimed to identify striatal dopamine as a predictor of variability in exercise response, specifically in terms of fat loss and muscle gain. Healthy non-exercising males completed an 8-week program, exercising 1 h, 4 days a week. Striatal dopaminergic tone was assessed by measuring dopamine transporter availability using technetium-99 m labelled tropane derivative, [99mTc]TRODAT-1 (TRODAT), single-photon emission computed tomography, and body composition (fat and muscles mass) was analysed using bioelectrical impedance. Lower baseline dopamine levels were associated with greater fat mass loss (r = 0.58, p = 0.006), percentage fat mass loss (r = 0.53, p = 0.013), and increase in muscle mass (β = -0.53, p = 0.035, after taking age and smoking status as covariates). These findings enhance our understanding of obesity neurobiology and exercise response variability, necessitating further research for targeted interventions based on dopaminergic profiles.

Assessing the prevalence and knowledge of anabolic steroid use in male athletes in Al Madina Al Munawara, Saudi Arabia.

To assess the prevalence of anabolic steroid use and the level of knowledge on anabolic steroids among the male athletes in Al Madina Al Munawara, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on male athletes randomly selected from the private athletic centers in Al Madina Al Munawara over 5 months. Data were collected from all participants using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire with 33 questions. The questionnaire covered the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, and their knowledge, attitudes, and use of anabolic steroids. Of the 150 male athletes surveyed, 121 completed the questionnaire (response rate: 80.6%). Over half were aged between 18 and 23 years (56.2%) and were single (79.3%). Thirty-two percent reported using anabolic steroids, mainly to increase muscle mass, following coaches' advice (46.1%). Key sources included the internet (30.7%), coaches (30%), and friends (27.9%), and non-healthcare professionals. The top motivations were price, coach's/physician's advice, and availability. The perceived benefits included increased muscle mass, strength, and endurance, while the perceived adverse effects included kidney/liver damage and sexual problems. One-third of the male athletes surveyed used anabolic steroids, influenced by accessibility and social contact, rather than healthcare guidance. This highlights the need for greater awareness of the long-term health risks, ideally through education provided by sports medicine specialists.

The Role of Omega 3 Fatty Acids on Muscle Mass: A Literature Review

Omega 3 fatty acids are known to have many benefits for human health, such as regulating lipid metabolism, treating hyperlipidemia, having anti-inflammatory function, increasing brain function and maintaining the body's immune system. Nowadays, among individuals who like to exercise, especially in the field of sports nutrition, omega 3 fatty acids are starting to become popular in their function of maintaining and increasing muscle mass because of their benefits in increasing muscle protein synthesis, reducing muscle damage (exercise-induced muscle damage) after physical exercise or during recovery after exercise so that it can maintain and increase muscle mass. This literature review deepens the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids which can potentially maintain or increase muscle mass. This literature review will discuss the mechanism by which omega 3 fatty acids influence muscle mass through cellular signaling pathways related to muscle protein synthesis which has an impact on a person's muscle mass. This literature review also discusses research results in healthy individuals, the elderly and individuals with chronic ilness. Although several studies show the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids regarding their potential to maintain and increase muscle mass. However, several research results show an insignificant effect of omega 3 fatty acids on muscle mass, causing the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids on muscle mass to continue to be a topic that will continue to be researched, some of the causes may be due to the duration of administration, different doses of administration, different type of omega 3 fatty acids given.

The effect of granulated collagen tripeptide on sarcopenia in aged mice compared with collagen tripeptide

This study investigates the efficacy of granulated collagen tripeptide (gCTP) in mitigating sarcopenia in aged mice compared to CTP. 58 weeks (male, n = 38) C57BL/6J mice were divided into 4 groups: an aging control, 0.03 % Gly-Pro-Hyp, 0.9 % CTP, and 0.9 % gCTP-supplemented group. gCTP administration significantly increased lean mass without altering body weight, indicating potential benefits in improving body composition in aged mice. Moreover, gCTP enhanced muscle synthesis pathways, including IGF1/PI3K/mTOR axis and myogenin expression, increasing muscle mass and strength. Additionally, gCTP reduced muscle and systemic inflammation, as evidenced by decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and myokines. Notably, gCTP enhanced intestinal absorption of peptides, potentially contributing to improved protein synthesis. gCTP demonstrated superior efficacy in alleviating sarcopenia and related symptoms in aged mice compared to CTP, attributed to differences in absorption. These findings provide insights into the potential of gCTP supplementation as a therapeutic strategy for sarcopenia.

Awareness and Knowledge of the Physical Activity Guidelines and Their Association with Physical Activity Levels.

Physical activity guidelines recommend that adults engage in aerobic exercise and activities that preserve or increase muscle mass. The primary aim of this study was to assess the awareness and knowledge of these guidelines among adults in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. A secondary objective was to examine the role of awareness and knowledge in the adherence to physical activity guidelines. In this cross-sectional observational study, 1018 participants were recruited through a self-administered online survey. Participants' awareness and knowledge about physical activity guidelines were assessed using a prompted questionnaire. Physical activity levels and weekly energy expenditures were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The proportion of the participants who reported being aware of the guidelines was approximately 48%, whereas the proportion of the participants who correctly identified the guidelines for moderate-intensity physical activity was 38%. However, only 23% correctly identified the muscle strength guidelines. Those who were aware of the guidelines were most likely to meet the physical activity recommendations (OR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.55-2.65). Participants who reported being aware of the guidelines exhibited a significantly higher energy expenditure, measured in MET minutes per week (p < 0.01). Similarly, participants who correctly identified the guidelines had greater energy expenditure (p = 0.03). We found that adults in Jazan have a moderate level of awareness and knowledge of PA guidelines and that awareness is a predictor of adherence to these guidelines. Individuals who are aware of PA guidelines or have knowledge of them tend to have higher levels of physical activity. These findings suggest that public health campaigns that promote awareness and knowledge of the physical activity guidelines may accelerate the progress in engaging the Saudi population with these guidelines.

Enhanced protein intake on maintaining muscle mass, strength, and physical function in adults with overweight/obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background & AimsWeight loss in individuals with obesity and overweight leads to metabolic and health benefits but also poses the risk of muscle mass reduction. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aims to determine the initial protein amount necessary for achieving weight loss while maintaining muscle mass, strength, and physical function in adults with overweight and obesity. MethodsRelevant literature databases, including Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline), Excerpta Medica (Embase), the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINHAL), and Web of Science, were electronically searched up to 15 March 2023. We examined the effect of additional protein intake on muscle mass, strength, and physical function in adults with overweight or obesity targeting weight loss. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool. Results were synthesized using standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) via a random-effects model. ResultsForty-seven studies (n = 3,218) were included. In the muscle mass analysis, twenty-eight trials with 1,989 participants were encompassed. Results indicated that increased protein intake significantly prevents muscle mass decline in adults with overweight or obesity aiming for weight loss (SMD 0.75; 95% CI 0.41 to 1.10; p < 0.001). Enhanced protein intake did not significantly prevent decreases in muscle strength and physical function. An intake exceeding 1.3 g/kg/day is anticipated to increase muscle mass, while an intake below 1.0 g/kg/day is associated with a higher risk of muscle mass decline. The risk of bias in studies regarding muscle mass ranged from low to high. ConclusionsAdults with overweight or obesity and aim for weight loss can more effectively retain muscle mass through higher protein intake, as opposed to no protein intake enhancement.

Postoperative Rehabilitation Program for Increasing Muscle Mass in Patients With Hip Fracture: A Retrospective Study.

Hip fractures are most likely to occur in older people, and after hip surgery muscle mass and the ability to perform activities of daily living often decline. In this study, we conducted inpatient rehabilitation after surgery for hip fracture and measured changes in muscle mass and physical performance. We retrospectively analyzed patients aged 65 years or older who underwent surgery (prosthetic replacement or internal fixation) and inpatient rehabilitation for hip fracture at our hospital between August and December 2020. The training included a joint range of motion exercise, muscle-strengthening exercise, gait training, early mobilization training, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation. We measured the following factors after one and six weeks postoperatively: muscle mass, body weight, fat mass, grip strength, bilateral knee extension strength, ability to walk, and ability to perform activities of daily living. Seventeen patients were included. Median age was 84 years (interquartile range, 72-90). Lower limbs skeletal muscle mass increased(median 4.8 kg to 4.9 kg, p = 0.045), while upper limbs skeletal muscle mass and body weight decreased(median 1.2 kg to 1.1 kg, p = 0.0027), (median 46.8 kg to 45.5 kg, p = 0.0039), respectively. Total skeletal muscle mass and fat mass remained unchanged. Grip strength was maintained, and knee extension muscle strength on the healthy and affected sides increased (healthy side median 10.7 kgf to 13.7 kgf, p = 0.019; affected side median 5.5 kgf to 9.5 kgf, p < 0.001). All patients exhibited improved ability to perform activities of daily living; however, 52.9% of patients regained their pre-injury walking ability. Our rehabilitation program increased lower limbskeletal muscle mass in patients with hip fractures.

Effects of testosterone and physical exercise on muscle mass increase and fat tissue reduction: systematic review

Effects of testosterone and physical exercise on muscle mass increase and fat tissue reduction: systematic review

Efficacy of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis LY-66 and Lactobacillus plantarum PL-02 in Enhancing Explosive Strength and Endurance: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial.

Probiotics are posited to enhance exercise performance by influencing muscle protein synthesis, augmenting glycogen storage, and reducing inflammation. This double-blind study randomized 88 participants to receive a six-week intervention with either a placebo, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis LY-66, Lactobacillus plantarum PL-02, or a combination of both strains, combined with a structured exercise training program. We assessed changes in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), exercise performance, and gut microbiota composition before and after the intervention. Further analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of probiotics on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), muscle integrity, and inflammatory markers in the blood, 24 and 48 h post-intervention. The results demonstrated that all probiotic groups exhibited significant enhancements in exercise performance and attenuation of muscle strength decline post-exercise exhaustion (p < 0.05). Notably, PL-02 intake significantly increased muscle mass, whereas LY-66 and the combination therapy significantly reduced body fat percentage (p < 0.05). Analysis of intestinal microbiota revealed an increase in beneficial bacteria, especially a significant rise in Akkermansia muciniphila following supplementation with PL-02 and LY-66 (p < 0.05). Overall, the combination of exercise training and supplementation with PL-02, LY-66, and their combination improved muscle strength, explosiveness, and endurance performance, and had beneficial effects on body composition and gastrointestinal health, as evidenced by data obtained from non-athlete participants.