Months Of Resistance Training Research Articles

Making the case for resistance training in improving vascular function and skeletal muscle capillarization.

Through decades of empirical data, it has become evident that resistance training (RT) can improve strength/power and skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Yet, until recently, vascular outcomes have historically been underemphasized in RT studies, which is underscored by several exercise-related reviews supporting the benefits of endurance training on vascular measures. Several lines of evidence suggest large artery diameter and blood flow velocity increase after a single bout of resistance exercise, and these events are mediated by vasoactive substances released from endothelial cells and myofibers (e.g., nitric oxide). Weeks to months of RT can also improve basal limb blood flow and arterial diameter while lowering blood pressure. Although several older investigations suggested RT reduces skeletal muscle capillary density, this is likely due to most of these studies being cross-sectional in nature. Critically, newer evidence from longitudinal studies contradicts these findings, and a growing body of mechanistic rodent and human data suggest skeletal muscle capillarity is related to mechanical overload-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy. In this review, we will discuss methods used by our laboratories and others to assess large artery size/function and skeletal muscle capillary characteristics. Next, we will discuss data by our groups and others examining large artery and capillary responses to a single bout of resistance exercise and chronic RT paradigms. Finally, we will discuss RT-induced mechanisms associated with acute and chronic vascular outcomes.

Six months of resistance training improves heart rate variability in the elderly.

Heart rate variability is a non-invasive method of assessing global health through the analysis of the autonomous centralnervous system, including both the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of resistance training on heart rate variability at rest in elderly individuals undergoing six months of resistance training with progressive loads. Training reduced the body fat percentage of the volunteers (pre: 39.39 ± 7.21 vs post: 34.97 ± 6.40%; p = 0.0069). There was also a significant reduction in the low-frequency index (pre: 69621.50 ± 9817.28 vs post: 54210.50 ± 14903.94; p = 0.0322) and a significant increase in the high-frequency index (pre: 30308.00 ± 9857.86 vs post: 45627.10 ± 14838.80; p = 0.0326). We concluded that sixmonths of resistance training with progressive loads were beneficial for heart rate variability and reduced the body fat percentage in the elderly.

Resistance training reduces platelet activation in hypertensive women: the role of purinergic signaling.

Essential arterial hypertension is a risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and arterial aneurysm, which are related to the activation of platelets. Purinergic signaling has a central role in platelet aggregation. Although ATP and ADP can act as a proaggregant agent, adenosine inhibits platelet aggregation and reduces vascular injury. Physical exercise exhibits antiaggregant properties and can modulate purinergic system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 6 months of resistance training on purinergic system components in platelets and on platelet activation, hemodynamic and anthropometric parameters in hypertensive woman. A total of 31 hypertensive and 28 normotensive middle-aged sedentary women were submitted to 6 months of resistance training. Purinergic enzymes activities were assessed in platelets; ATP and Tromboxane B2 (TXB2) levels were measured in serum. Blood pressure (BP), BMI, and body fat were also measured. All variables were statistically analyzed, considering P value less than 0.05. Six months of resistance training was able to significantly reduce BP, ATP, and TXB2 levels as well as NTPDase, ecto-5'nucleotidase, and ADA activities in hypertensive group. After 6 months of resistance training, purinergic system components and TXB2 of hypertensive group were similar to normotensive group in platelets, demonstrating that resistance training was able to modulate platelet activation. A positive correlation was found between BP, enzyme activities, and levels of ATP and TXB2. Our findings demonstrated the relationship between purinergic signaling and platelet activation in hypertension and suggests that resistance training serve as tool to reduce platelet aggregation in hypertensive woman by modulating purinergic system.

Institute-based nurse-led care versus home-based resistance training for patients with acute pancreatitis: Clinical outcomes analysis.

Surgeries may have worse clinical outcomes in pancreatitis. In our institute surgical procedure is barely used surgery to treat pancreatitis nowadays. Chinese guidelines recommended regular exercise for severe pancreatitis. The objectives of the current study were to compare nurse-led resistance training at the institute against usual care provided to patients with acute pancreatitis for favorable clinical outcome measures. For acute pancreatitis, patients (≥18 years, of age) received 6 months of resistance training in the garden of the institute under the supervision of registered nurses (NR cohort, n = 102), or received 6 months of resistance training at their home by themselves according to a training manual (HR cohort, n = 120) or received 6 months of usual care only (UC cohort, n = 120). Fewer numbers patients died in the follow-up period in the NR cohort than those of the HR (8 vs 21, P = .0447) and the UC (8 vs 32, P = .0046) cohorts. The frequency of rehospitalization of patients due to any of the reasons in the follow-up period was fewer for patients of the NR cohort than those of the HR and the UC cohorts (P < .05 for both). Hospitalization of patients due to any of the reasons in the follow-up period was fewer for patients of the HR cohort than those of the UC cohort (P < .05). A 52 median score was the quality of life of patients before the start of the non-treatment intervention(s). After 6 months of non-treatment intervention(s), patients of the NR cohort improved their quality of life as compared to their initial quality of life (P < .001), those of HR cohort (P < .05), and those of UC cohort (P < .001). The quality of life of patients with severe pancreatitis after the surgical procedure was worse. Six months of nurse-assisted resistant training at the institute has significant improvement on the quality of life of patients in the follow-up periods of acute pancreatitis. Resistant training at the institute would improve the quality of life of patients with acute pancreatitis (Level of Evidence: IV; Technical Efficacy Stage: 5).

The Effects of Resistance Training For 12 Weeks on Serum Calcium, Phosphorous and Parathyroid Hormone Levels of Urban and Rural Children

Resistance Training (RT) is considered as an integral component of a comprehensive physical activity program for children and healthy adults and has shown to be an important component for the development of bone strength by improving their muscular power, nerve conduction, and deposition of minerals and maintenance of body balance. Objective: To determine the effects of resistance training on the mineral content of bone in children aged 11-14 years boys. Methods: Volunteer young boys between the ages of 11 to 14 years, 30 each from rural and urban setting of district Peshawar were recruited. Calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and anthropometric parameters were measured before and after three months of resistance training. Paired sample t-test was used for changes over time. Results: The study found that there was a significant effect of resistance exercise on participant’s serum calcium level (8.44± 0.582 vs. 10.24± 0.786, p value&lt;0.001), phosphorous (3.82± 0.265 vs. 4.59± 0.271, p value&lt;0.001) and PTH (20.37± 4.620 vs. 29.20± 6.099, p value&lt;0.001) in experimental group. Conclusions: Resistance training has an effective role in the increase of calcium, phosphorus and PTH and anthropometric measurements

Resistance training with or without nutritional supplementation showed no influence on muscle thickness in old-institutionalized adults: a secondary analysis of the Vienna Active Ageing Study.

Resistance training and protein supplementation are recommended strategies to combat sarcopenia. Quantification of muscle thickness (MT) by musculoskeletal ultrasound is a promising method to follow changes in skeletal muscles. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of six months of resistance training with or without nutritional supplementation on MT of M. quadriceps in institutionalized old adults. This is a prospective, randomized, multi-arm parallel and controlled intervention study. This study was conducted in five different retirement care facilities. Institutionalized individuals (mean age 82.6±6.2 years) were randomly assigned to an elastic band resistance training (N.=41), training with nutritional supplementation (N.=36) or control group (N.=40). Health status and handgrip strength were investigated at baseline. MT of all parts of M. quadriceps of the left leg was assessed using musculoskeletal ultrasound at baseline and after six months. Linear regression models adjusted for age, BMI and sex were calculated to investigate the influence of baseline characteristics on MT. Multivariable regression analyses were performed for investigation of study intervention on MT. Follow-up examinations were performed after 12 and 18 months. Handgrip strength of both hands was significantly correlated with MT of M. vastus lateralis. Moreover, the sum of regularly taken medication was significantly correlated to MT of all parts of quadriceps. Six months of training or nutritional supplementation was not able to alter MT. However, participants with lower baseline MT values or a higher number of diseases and medications at baseline showed significant higher increases in MT after intervention. Resistance training using elastic bands with or without nutritional supplementation did not alter MT of M. quadriceps of old institutionalized individuals. However, baseline values and health status had a significant influence on the training effect. As old individuals are very heterogenic according to their health and muscle status; further studies might focus on individualizing training regimes with particular emphasize on accompanied diseases and medications of this population.

The influence of resistance training on muscle strength, irisin concentration, and metabolic parameters in type 1 diabetic patients

Resistance effort has a beneficial effect on muscle mass, body composition, bone density, and cardiac parameters. It is also a modulator of the inflammatory reaction. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of 3 months of resistance training on muscle strength, irisin levels, and metabolic parameters in patients with long-term type 1 diabetes. Eleven type 1 male diabetic patients with low levels of physical activity were recruited, with mean age 38 ± 6 years, body mass index (BMI) 28.4 ± 2.6 kg/m², and diabetes duration 23 ± 7 years. All subjects participated in 60-minute resistance training sessions twice a week, for three months. At baseline and after 3 months in all patients, maximal muscle strength level, serum irisin concentration, metabolic control parameters, and anthropometric measures were assessed. After 3 months there was a statistically significant increase of maximal muscle strength in comparison to baseline. There was no significant change in serum irisin concentration, HbA1c, or other assessed parameters. A 3-month resistance training programme in patients with long-term type 1 diabetes and low level of physical activity significantly affects their maximum strength level. This indicates that people with diabetes are more adaptive to additional loads, which allows them to increase their load faster.

Metabolic and hormonal responses to chronic blood-flow restricted resistance training in chronic kidney disease: a randomized trial.

Maintenance of glycemic and lipemic homeostasis can limit the progression of diabetic kidney disease. Resistance training (RT) is effective in controlling glycemia and lipemia in kidney disease; however, the effect of RT with blood flow restriction (RT+BFR) on these metabolic factors has not been investigated. We aimed to verify if chronic (6 months) RT and RT+BFR performed by patients with stage-2 chronic kidney disease (CKD) improves their glycemic homeostasis and immunometabolic profiles. Patients with CKD under conservative treatment (n = 105 (33 females)) from both sexes were randomized into control (n = 35 (11 females); age 57.6 ± 5.2years), RT (n = 35 (12 females); age 58.0 ± 6.2years), and RT+BFR (n = 35 (10 females); 58.0 ± 6.4years) groups. Chronic RT or RT+BFR (6 months) was performed 3 times per week on non-consecutive days with training loading adjusted every 2 months, RT 50%-60%-70% of 1RM, and RT+BFR 30%-40%+50% of 1RM and fixed repetition number. Renal function was estimated with the glomerular filtration rate and serum albumin level. Metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory assessments were analyzed from blood samples. Six months of RT and RT+BFR were similarly effective in improving glucose homeostasis and hormone mediators of glucose uptake (e.g., irisin, adiponectin, and sirtuin-1), decreasing pro-inflammatory and fibrotic proteins, and attenuating the progression of estimated glomerular filtration rate. Thus, RT+BFR can be considered an additional exercise modality to be included in the treatment of patients with stage 2 chronic kidney disease. Trial registration number: U1111-1237-8231. URL: http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-3gpg5w/, no. RBR-3gpg5w. Novelty: Glycemic regulation induced by resistance training prevents the progression of CKD. Chronic RT and RT+BFR promote similar changes in glycemic regulation. RT and RT+BFR can be considered as non-pharmacological tools for the treatment of CKD.

Physical Activity Level Following Resistance Training in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Receiving Home Care: Results from a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial.

Older adults’ physical activity (PA) is low. We examined whether eight months of resistance training increased PA level in community-dwelling older adults receiving home care. A two-armed cluster-randomized trial using parallel groups was conducted. The included participants were >70 years and received home care. The resistance training group performed resistance training using body weight, elastic bands, and water canes twice per week for eight months. The control group was informed about the national PA guidelines and received motivational talks. The ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer was used to estimate PA. Outcomes included total PA (counts per minute), sedentary behavior (min/day), light PA (min/day), moderate-to-vigorous PA (min/day), and steps (mean/day). Between-group differences were analyzed using multilevel linear mixed models. Twelve clusters were randomized to either resistance training (7 clusters, 60 participants) or the control group (5 clusters, 44 participants). A total of 101 participants (median age 86.0 (interquartile range 80–90) years) had valid accelerometer data and were included in the analysis. There were no statistically significant between-group differences for any of the PA outcomes after four or eight months. This study offers no evidence of increased PA level following resistance training in older adults with home care.

Impact of Low Hemoglobin on Body Composition, Strength, and Redox Status of Older Hemodialysis Patients Following Resistance Training.

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to: (i) investigate the effect of six months of resistance training (RT) on body composition, muscle strength, hematological patterns, and redox profile in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients, and; (ii) evaluate the effects of baseline concentrations of hemoglobin on the RT response.MethodsOne hundred fifty-seven subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were randomly allocated into two groups: Control [CTL, (n = 76)] and RT (n = 81). A first visit was required for anamnesis and anthropometric measurements. Venous blood samples were collected at baseline and after twenty-four weeks of training in all patients for the analysis of clinical and redox balance markers. The RT program spanned six months and consisted of three sets of 8–12 repetitions with a rating of perceived exertion between 5 and 8 for three weekly sessions. Each exercise session was performed in twelve resistance exercises and it least for approximately 40 min.ResultsThe main results demonstrated that RT decreased waist circumference by 3%, and decreased thiobarbituric reactive species (TBARS) by 28%. Moreover, RT increased handgrip strength by 28.4%, fat-free mass by 4.1%, hemoglobin by 5%, iron by 33.4%, glutathione by 121%, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity by 14.2% (p < 0.05). Low hemoglobin concentrations impaired the effect of RT on fat-free mass gain.ConclusionSix months of RT in HD patients improved clinical parameters, such as hemoglobin, iron, body composition, and redox balance, while low hemoglobin concentration impaired exercise-benefits on fat-free mass in patients with CKD. These findings can contribute to a better clinical application of RT in the maintenance of hemodialysis patients.

Improving the prognosis of renal patients: The effects of blood flow-restricted resistance training on redox balance and cardiac autonomic function.

What is the central question of this study? Can resistance training with and without blood flow restriction improve redox balance and positively impact the autonomic cardiac modulation in chronic kidney disease patients? What is the main finding and its importance? Resistance training with and without blood flow restriction improved antioxidant defence (paraoxonase 1), decreased the pro-oxidative myeloperoxidase, improved cardiac autonomic function and slowed the decrease in renal function. We draw attention to the important clinical implications for the management of redox balance and autonomic cardiac function in chronic kidney disease patients. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are prone to cardiovascular diseases secondary to abnormalities in both autonomic cardiac function and redox balance [myeloperoxidase (MPO) to paraoxonase1 (PON1) ratio]. Although aerobic training improves both autonomic balance and redox balance in patients with CKD, the cardioprotective effects of resistance training (RT), with and without blood flow restriction (BFR), remain unknown. We aimed to compare the effects of RT and RT+BFR on antioxidant defence (PON1), pro-oxidative status (MPO), cardiac autonomic function (quantified by heart rate variability analysis) and renal function. Conservative CKD (stages 1 to 5 who do not need hemodialysis) patients (n=105, 33 female) of both sexes were randomized into three groups: control (CTL; 57.6±5.2years; body mass index, 33.23±1.62kg/m2 ), RT (58.09±6.26years; body mass index 33.63±2.05kg/m2 ) and RT+BFR (58.06±6.47years; body mass index, 33.32±1.87kg/m2 ). Patients completed 6months of RT or RT+BFR on three non-consecutive days per week under the supervision of strength and conditioning professionals. Training loads were adjusted every 2months. Heart rate variability was recorded with a Polar-RS800 and data were analysed for time and frequency domains using Kubios software. The redox balance markers were PON1 and MPO, which were analysed in plasma samples. Renal function was estimated as estimated glomerular filtration rate. The RT and RT+BFR decreased pro-oxidative MPO (RT, ∼34ng/ml and RT+BFR, ∼27ng/ml), improved both antioxidant defence (PON1: RT, ∼23U/L and RT+BFR, ∼31U/L) and cardiac autonomic function (R-R interval: RT, ∼120.4ms and RT+BFR, ∼117.7ms), and slowed the deterioration of renal function (P<0.0001). Redox balance markers were inversely correlated with heart rate variability time-domain indices. Our data indicated that both training models were effective as non-pharmacological tools to increase the antioxidant defences, decrease oxidative stress and improve the cardiac autonomic function of CKD patients.

Mitochondrial Content, but Not Function, Is Altered With a Multimodal Resistance Training Protocol and Adequate Protein Intake in Leucine-Supplemented Pre/Frail Women.

Background: Frailty is a clinical condition associated with loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia). Mitochondria are centrally implicated in frailty and sarcopenia. Leucine (Leu) can alter mitochondrial content in myocytes, while resistance training (RT) is the strongest stimulus to counteract sarcopenia and may enhance mitochondrial biogenesis.Objective: We determined the effects of Leu supplementation and RT on mitochondrial content and function in pre/frail elderly women in a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study.Methods: Nineteen pre/frail elderly women (77.5 ± 1.3 y, BMI: 25.1 ± 0.9 kg/m2), based on the Frailty Phenotype, underwent 3-months of RT 3×/week with protein-optimized diet and were randomized to 7.5 g/d of Leu supplementation or placebo alanine (Ala). Pre/post-intervention mitochondrial respiration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, calcium retention capacity (CRC), time to permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) protein content, leg press 1-repetition maximum (1RM), and 6-min walk test (6MWT) were measured.Results: No time, supplementation, or interaction effects were observed for respiration, ROS, time to mPTP opening, and CRC. VDAC levels significantly increased in the Leu group post-intervention (p = 0.012). Both groups significantly increased leg press 1RM and 6MWT, with no effect of supplementation.Discussion: Leu supplementation with 3 months of RT increased mitochondrial content. Future studies should investigate if there is an increase in mitochondrial turnover or a shift in quality control (mitophagy) in leucine supplemented pre/frail elderly women who undergo 12 weeks of RT.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT01922167.

Effectiveness of lifestyle and psychosocial interventions in reducing cognitive decline in older people: Systematic review

AbstractBackgroundObservational findings suggest that a third of dementia cases are attributable to modifiable risk factors (Livingston et al, 2017). However, we are still unclear on what non‐pharmacological interventions should look like or what a manualised dementia prevention programme might include.MethodPubMed, EMBASE (Ovid), PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and reference lists of included studies were systematically searched and screened by two independent reviewers. We included lifestyle and psychosocial interventions that aimed to reduce cognitive decline in healthy people aged 50+, and people of any age with Subjective Cognitive Decline or Mild Cognitive Impairment. We narratively synthesised evidence, prioritising results from studies rated at lower Risk of Bias (ROB) and used Centre for Evidence Based Medicine guidelines to grade levels of evidence. These findings were used to inform co‐production of an internationally collaborated APPLE‐Tree (Active Prevention in People at risk of dementia: Lifestyle, bEhaviour change and Technology to REducE cognitive and functional decline) programme.ResultA total of 64 studies were included describing psychosocial (n=12), multi‐domain (n=10), exercise (n=36) and dietary (n=6) interventions. We found Grade A evidence that 4+ months of aerobic exercise twice weekly had a moderate effect on global cognition. With interventions that integrate, cognitive and motor challenges (e.ge. dance or dumb bell training) had small to moderate effects on memory or global cognition. We also found Grade B evidence that 4+ months of creative art or storytelling groups; 6 months of resistance training and a two‐year, dietary, exercise, cognitive training and social intervention had small but positive effect on global cognition. Conflicting evidence was observed for interventions solely focusing on increasing Mediterranean diet adherence. With effects for some interventions remaining up to a year beyond facilitated sessions. Only two lower ROB studies measured impact of non‐pharmacological interventions onto dementia incidence with neither finding significant effects.ConclusionBased on current published findings an evidence‐based intervention strategy to improve global cognition, memory and executive functioning should include group therapy carried out for 4+ months, promoting engagement in regular (at least weekly) activity, involving aerobic or resistance exercise, and cognitively demanding (visuospatial/memory) or creative tasks.

Resistance exercise improves cognitive and brain health in overweight older adults

AbstractBackgroundApproximately 50% of Canadian older adults over the age of 60 are overweight or obese (based on body mass index; BMI). Individuals with high BMI (≥25) often experience cognitive and brain deficits (e.g., impaired memory, cortical atrophy, reduced neural activation), and are at high risk of dementia. One promising lifestyle intervention that may improve these deficits is exercise. For example, 6 months of aerobic training has been found to improve cognitive and brain function in overweight older adults, however studies examining whether resistance training (RT) can produce comparable results in this population is limited.MethodWe conducted a 6‐month, thrice‐weekly randomized controlled trial of RT in overweight older adults. Twenty‐four participants aged 60‐80 (sedentary; BMI ≥25) were randomized into one of two groups: 1) progressive resistance (weight) training, or 2) balance and tone (BAT; control; stretching exercises). At pre‐ and post‐intervention (0 and 6 months, respectively), we measured associative memory performance during functional MRI, and obtained high resolution T1 weighted structural images from a 3T scanner.ResultSix months of RT showed significant improvements in memory performance (6.38% reduced error rate) compared to BAT. Similarly, structural imaging showed increased hippocampal volume for RT (+0.04%) as well as increased percent signal change (neural activation) in memory‐related brain regions of interest, including the hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, lingual gyrus, and medial temporal gyrus, suggesting improved functional brain health overtime.ConclusionOverall, our findings offer a feasible, cost‐efficient lifestyle intervention strategy to improve cognitive and brain health in overweight older adults.

Effect of Regular Resistance Exercise, Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements in Pre-menopausal Period on the Bone Mineral Density in Rats

Introduction: Menopause is the natural termination of menstruation, which affects the quality, and important aspects of women life. The aim of this study was to investigate regular resistance training along with vitamins D and calcium intake in the pre-menopausal period on bone mineral density (BMD) in rats.&#x0D; Methods: In this experimental study, the rats were randomly divided into control groups, placebo, vitamin D, calcium, resistance training, vitamin D + calcium, vitamin D + resistance training, calcium + resistance training, vitamin D + calcium + resistance training. Control and placebo groups were fed with a standard diet and sesame oil, respectively. Ovariectomy was done after two months of resistance training (Ex), calcium (35 mg/kg) and vitamin D (10000 IU) administration. BMD and bone mineral content (BMC) were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to examine bone total diameter and osteoclast and osteocyte cell numbers. The statistical analysis was done by a one-way analysis of variance (SPSS 20).&#x0D; Results: There was an increasing trend in BMD lumbar of the Ex group (P&lt;0.001) in comparison with the control group. The amount of bone mineral in the whole body in calcium and calcium + resistance groups was higher than the control group (P &lt;0.05). BMC total in the vitamin D, calcium + resistance training, vitamin D + resistance training and calcium + vitamin D + resistance-training groups was lower than the other groups. Osteoclast cell numbers were decreased in Ex, Vit D+Ex (P&lt;0.05), Ca+Vit D, Ca+Ex and Ex+Vit D+Ca groups (P&lt;0.001) compared to the control group, also, osteocyte numbers were decreased in VitD, Ca+Vit D (P&lt;0.05), Ex, Vit D+Ex, and Ex+Vit D+Ca groups (P&lt;0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Regular resistance exercise, vitamin D and calcium supplements in pre-menopausal period can improve BMD and BMC and delay the process of osteoporosis in postmenopausal period.

The anti-inflammatory effect of resistance training in hypertensive women: the role of purinergic signaling

Essential arterial hypertension triggers a chronic inflammatory process that seems to be linked to purinergic signaling. Physical exercise exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and is able to modulates purinergic system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 6 months of resistance training on inflammatory markers, purinergic system components, hemodynamic and anthropometric parameters in hypertensive woman. A total of 31 hypertensive group and 28 normotensive (control group) middle-aged sedentary women were submitted to 6 months of resistance training. All measurements and blood collection were carried out before (pretest), after 3 months and after 6 months (posttest) of training. Purinergic enzymes [nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase) and adenosine deaminase] were assessed in lymphocytes; IL-6, IL-10, ATP and C-reactive protein levels were measured in serum. Six months of resistance training was able to significantly reduce blood pressure (BP), IL-6, C-reactive protein, ATP levels as well as NTPDase and adenosine deaminase activities in hypertensive group. Physical training was also able to increase IL-10 levels in hypertensive group. A positive correlation was found between BP, enzyme activities and levels of ATP and IL-6. A negative correlation was found between BP and IL-10. Positive correlation was found between NTPDase and IL-6 levels (P < 0.05) as well as ATP levels and IL-6 levels. Our findings demonstrated the relationship between purinergic signaling and inflammation in hypertension and suggests that resistance training serve as tool to reduce inflammation in hypertensive woman by modulating purinergic system.

Resistance Exercise and Knee Osteoarthritis

Resistance Exercise and Knee Osteoarthritis

Resistance training affects the hemodynamic parameters of hypertensive and normotensive women differently, and regardless of performance improvement

Background/ObjectiveAlthough the positive effects of resistance training (RT) on strength and functional capacity have been well evidenced in the scientific literature, the effects of RT on blood pressure and the relationship of these responses with performance improvement are not yet well established. This study aimed to analyze the effects of three and six months of RT on the hemodynamic parameters and functional capacity of hypertensive and normotensive women. MethodSixteen hypertensive and 15 normotensive elderly women participated in a RT protocol designed to increase muscle strength and hypertrophy, lasting six months, twice a week. ResultsSystolic blood pressure (SBP) had a reduction at six months only in hypertensive patients, while diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreased at six months of intervention in both groups (p < 0.05). SBP showed differences between the groups in the pretest (p < 0.05), but not at three and six months of intervention (p > 0.05). Heart rate (HR) was reduced at three months in hypertensive patients, and at six months in the normotensive (p < 0.05). The strength and functional mobility of both hypertensive and normotensive individuals significantly increased at three and six months of intervention (p < 0.05). Hypertensive women showed increased strength at all moments, while normotensive ones showed improvement only at six months. ConclusionModerate to high intensity RT improves the hemodynamic parameters of hypertensive and normotensive women differently, and independently of strength gain and functional capacity improvement.

Skeletal Muscle Myofibrillar Protein Abundance Is Higher in Resistance-Trained Men, and Aging in the Absence of Training May Have an Opposite Effect.

Resistance training generally increases skeletal muscle hypertrophy, whereas aging is associated with a loss in muscle mass. Interestingly, select studies suggest that aging, as well as resistance training, may lead to a reduction in the abundance of skeletal muscle myofibrillar (or contractile) protein (per mg tissue). Proteomic interrogations have also demonstrated that aging, as well as weeks to months of resistance training, lead to appreciable alterations in the muscle proteome. Given this evidence, the purpose of this small pilot study was to examine total myofibrillar as well as total sarcoplasmic protein concentrations (per mg wet muscle) from the vastus lateralis muscle of males who were younger and resistance-trained (denoted as YT, n = 6, 25 ± 4 years old, 10 ± 3 self-reported years of training), younger and untrained (denoted as YU, n = 6, 21 ± 1 years old), and older and untrained (denoted as OU, n = 6, 62 ± 8 years old). The relative abundances of actin and myosin heavy chain (per mg tissue) were also examined using SDS-PAGE and Coomassie staining, and shotgun proteomics was used to interrogate the abundances of individual sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins between cohorts. Whole-body fat-free mass (YT > YU = OU), VL thickness (YT > YU = OU), and leg extensor peak torque (YT > YU = OU) differed between groups (p < 0.05). Total myofibrillar protein concentrations were greater in YT versus OU (p = 0.005), but were not different between YT versus YU (p = 0.325). The abundances of actin and myosin heavy chain were greater in YT versus YU (p < 0.05) and OU (p < 0.001). Total sarcoplasmic protein concentrations were not different between groups. While proteomics indicated that marginal differences existed for individual myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins between YT versus other groups, age-related differences were more prominent for myofibrillar proteins (YT = YU > OU, p < 0.05: 7 proteins; OU > YT = YU, p < 0.05: 11 proteins) and sarcoplasmic proteins (YT = YU > OU, p < 0.05: 8 proteins; OU > YT&YU, p < 0.05: 29 proteins). In summary, our data suggest that modest (~9%) myofibrillar protein packing (on a per mg muscle basis) was evident in the YT group. This study also provides further evidence to suggest that notable skeletal muscle proteome differences exist between younger and older humans. However, given that our n-sizes are low, these results only provide a preliminary phenotyping of the reported protein and proteomic variables.

Is creatine hydrochloride better than creatine monohydrate for the improvement of physical performance and hormonal changes in young trained men?

Summary Objectives The production and sale of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) with annual increase in number and diversity have now become a beneficial industry. At present, there is a kind of creatine supplement, called as creatine hydrochloride (CHCL), which is claimed to have a much higher absorption compared to creatine monohydrate (CRM) supplementation and does not require a loading period. However, this claim has not been fully examined yet. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the effects of two types of creatine (CHCL and CRM) on physical activity, plasma levels of testosterone (T), and cortisol (Cor) in trained young men. Equipment and methods The statistical population of this study included 36 healthy subjects selected by purposive sampling method and with at least six months of resistance training. The subjects were randomly divided into four groups (Group 1: 20 g of CRM, Group 2: 3 g of CRM, Group 3: 3 g of CHCl per day for a week, and Group 4: placebo). The supplements were given to subjects by double-blind manner. Physical performance variables were evaluated on the morning of the first day and before the supplementation, and blood samples (5 cc) were taken in fasting conditions (8–10 hours) to measure the plasma levels of T and Cor. The blood samples were taken again after seven days for physical performance measurements. Results The results showed that there were no significant differences between the effects of 3 and 20 g of CRM and 3 g of CHCL on the vigor, power, plasma levels of T and Cor, and T/C ratio. In other words, 3 g of CHCL did not result in improved performance and hormonal changes compared to 20 g of CRM. Conclusion According to the results, the multi-day period of supplementation with CHCL in comparison to CRM cannot have much effect on performance and improve the hormonal status of individuals in the short term.