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Physiology & Behavior Oct 2023Myostatin and follistatin are the main hormones for regulating muscle mass, and previous research suggests they are modulated by resistance training. We therefore... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION AND AIM
Myostatin and follistatin are the main hormones for regulating muscle mass, and previous research suggests they are modulated by resistance training. We therefore performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the impact of resistance training on circulating myostatin and follistatin in adults.
METHODS
A search was conducted in PubMed and Web of science from inception until October 2022 to identify original studies investigating the effects of resistance training compared with controls that did not exercise. Standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random effects models.
RESULTS
A total 26 randomized studies, including 36 interventions, and involving 768 participants (aged ∼18 - 82 years), were included in the meta-analysis. Resistance training effectively decreased myostatin [-1.31 (95% CI -1.74 - -0.88, p = 0.001, 26 studies] and increased follistatin [2.04 (95% CI: 1.51 - 2.52), p = 0.001, 14 studies]. Subgroup analyses revealed a significant decrease in myostatin and increase in follistatin regardless of age.
CONCLUSION
Resistance training in adults is effective for reducing myostatin and increasing follistatin which may contribute to the beneficial effects of resistance training on muscle mass and metabolic outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Aged; Myostatin; Muscle, Skeletal; Follistatin; Resistance Training; Exercise
PubMed: 37328021
DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114272 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Apr 2024Running economy is defined as the energy demand at submaximal running speed, a key determinant of overall running performance. Strength training can improve running... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Running economy is defined as the energy demand at submaximal running speed, a key determinant of overall running performance. Strength training can improve running economy, although the magnitude of its effect may depend on factors such as the strength training method and the speed at which running economy is assessed.
AIM
To compare the effect of different strength training methods (e.g., high loads, plyometric, combined methods) on the running economy in middle- and long-distance runners, over different running speeds, through a systematic review with meta-analysis.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted across several electronic databases including Web of Science, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and SCOPUS. Using different keywords and Boolean operators for the search, all articles indexed up to November 2022 were considered for inclusion. In addition, the PICOS criteria were applied: Population: middle- and long-distance runners, without restriction on sex or training/competitive level; Intervention: application of a strength training method for ≥ 3 weeks (i.e., high loads (≥ 80% of one repetition maximum); submaximal loads [40-79% of one repetition maximum); plyometric; isometric; combined methods (i.e., two or more methods); Comparator: control group that performed endurance running training but did not receive strength training or received it with low loads (< 40% of one repetition maximum); Outcome: running economy, measured before and after a strength training intervention programme; Study design: randomized and non-randomized controlled studies. Certainty of evidence was assessed with the GRADE approach. A three-level random-effects meta-analysis and moderator analysis were performed using R software (version 4.2.1).
RESULTS
The certainty of the evidence was found to be moderate for high load training, submaximal load training, plyometric training and isometric training methods and low for combined methods. The studies included 195 moderately trained, 272 well trained, and 185 highly trained athletes. The strength training programmes were between 6 and 24 weeks' duration, with one to four sessions executed per week. The high load and combined methods induced small (ES = - 0.266, p = 0.039) and moderate (ES = - 0.426, p = 0.018) improvements in running economy at speeds from 8.64 to 17.85 km/h and 10.00 to 14.45 km/h, respectively. Plyometric training improved running economy at speeds ≤ 12.00 km/h (small effect, ES = - 0.307, p = 0.028, β = 0.470, p = 0.017). Compared to control groups, no improvement in running economy (assessed speed: 10.00 to 15.28 and 9.75 to 16.00 km/h, respectively) was noted after either submaximal or isometric strength training (all, p > 0.131). The moderator analyses showed that running speed (β = - 0.117, p = 0.027) and VOmax (β = - 0.040, p = 0.020) modulated the effect of high load strength training on running economy (i.e., greater improvements at higher speeds and higher VOmax).
CONCLUSIONS
Compared to a control condition, strength training with high loads, plyometric training, and a combination of strength training methods may improve running economy in middle- and long-distance runners. Other methods such as submaximal load training and isometric strength training seem less effective to improve running economy in this population. Of note, the data derived from this systematic review suggest that although both high load training and plyometric training may improve running economy, plyometric training might be effective at lower speeds (i.e., ≤ 12.00 km/h) and high load strength training might be particularly effective in improving running economy (i) in athletes with a high VOmax, and (ii) at high running speeds.
PROTOCOL REGISTRATION
The original protocol was registered ( https://osf.io/gyeku ) at the Open Science Framework.
Topics: Humans; Resistance Training; Running; Athletic Performance; Plyometric Exercise; Physical Endurance; Muscle Strength
PubMed: 38165636
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01978-y -
Nutrients Sep 2023Choline plays many important roles, including the synthesis of acetylcholine, and may affect muscle responses to exercise. We previously observed correlations between... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Choline plays many important roles, including the synthesis of acetylcholine, and may affect muscle responses to exercise. We previously observed correlations between low choline intake and reduced gains in strength and lean mass following a 12-week resistance exercise training (RET) program for older adults. To further explore these findings, we conducted a randomized controlled trial. Three groups of 50-to-69-year-old healthy adults underwent a 12-week RET program (3x/week, 3 sets, 8-12 reps, 70% of maximum strength (1RM)) and submitted >48 diet logs (>4x/week for 12 weeks). Participants' diets were supplemented with 0.7 mg/kg lean/d (low, n = 13), 2.8 mg/kg lean/d (med, n = 11), or 7.5 mg/kg lean/d (high, n = 13) of choline from egg yolk and protein powder. The ANCOVA tests showed that low choline intake, compared with med or high choline intakes, resulted in significantly diminished gains in composite strength (leg press + chest press 1RM; low, 19.4 ± 8.2%; med, 46.8 ± 8.9%; high, 47.4 ± 8.1%; = 0.034) and thigh-muscle quality (leg press 1RM/thigh lean mass; low, 12.3 ± 9.6%; med/high, 46.4 ± 7.0%; = 0.010) after controlling for lean mass, protein, betaine, and vitamin B. These data suggest that low choline intake may negatively affect strength gains with RET in older adults.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Middle Aged; Choline; Resistance Training; Acetylcholine; Betaine; Correlation of Data
PubMed: 37764658
DOI: 10.3390/nu15183874 -
Current Neurology and Neuroscience... Nov 2023This review summarizes recent evidence-based integrative therapies for Parkinson's disease (PD) that may improve motor and non-motor symptoms, enhance quality of life,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This review summarizes recent evidence-based integrative therapies for Parkinson's disease (PD) that may improve motor and non-motor symptoms, enhance quality of life, and alter disease progression.
RECENT FINDINGS
Imaging studies have demonstrated that aerobic exercise changes brain structure and function, while strength training improves posture and balance. Loneliness is associated with worsening PD severity, but social prescribing and cognitive behavioral therapy may effectively foster connections. Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine practices including yoga, meditation, tai chi, and acupuncture may help improve mobility, mood, sleep, and quality of life. Art therapy enhances visuospatial skills, whereas music and dance therapy can alleviate freezing of gait. Several studies demonstrate successful use of these integrative strategies virtually, thereby improving patient accessibility and participation. PD management has broadened to include integrative approaches combining conventional and complementary therapies. Potential benefits of movement, nutrition, sleep, socialization, and mind-body practices have been confirmed with several recent randomized controlled trials.
Topics: Humans; Parkinson Disease; Quality of Life; Gait Disorders, Neurologic; Exercise Therapy; Resistance Training
PubMed: 37921943
DOI: 10.1007/s11910-023-01312-z -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023To determine the impacts of concurrent aerobic and resistance training on vascular structure (IMT) and function (PWV, FMD, NMD) in type 2 diabetes (T2D). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To determine the impacts of concurrent aerobic and resistance training on vascular structure (IMT) and function (PWV, FMD, NMD) in type 2 diabetes (T2D).
METHODS
The electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus were systematically searched for articles on "type 2 diabetes" and "concurrent training" published from inception to August 2, 2022. We included randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of concurrent training versus passive controls on IMT, PWV, FMD and NMD in T2D.
RESULTS
Ten studies were eligible, including a total of 361 participants. For IMT, concurrent training showed a slight decrease by 0.05 mm (95% CI -0.11 to 0.01, p > 0.05). concurrent training induced an overall significant improvement in FMD by 1.47% (95% CI 0.15 to 2.79, p < 0.05) and PWV by 0.66 m/s (95% CI -0.89 to -0.43, p < 0.01) in type 2 diabetics. However, concurrent training seemed to exaggerate the impaired NMD (WMD = -2.30%, 95% CI -4.02 to -0.58, p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Concurrent training is an effective method to improve endothelial function and artery stiffness in T2D. However, within 24 weeks concurrent training exacerbates vascular smooth muscle dysfunction. More research is needed to explore whether longer and/or higher-intensity concurrent training interventions could enhance the vascular structure and smooth muscle function in this population.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022350604.
Topics: Humans; Resistance Training; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Exercise; Vascular Stiffness; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular
PubMed: 37780628
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1216962 -
PeerJ 2023Jumping ability has been identified as a key factor that influences the performance of badminton athletes. Autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise (APRE) and... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVES
Jumping ability has been identified as a key factor that influences the performance of badminton athletes. Autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise (APRE) and velocity-based resistance training (VBRT) are commonly used approaches to enhance muscle strength and have been shown to accurately monitor the development of explosive power to improve jumping ability. This study aims to investigate the effects of APRE and VBRT on badminton athletes' jumping ability and to provide practical insights into improving their jumping performance during competitions.
METHODS
Upon completing familiarization and pretesting, 18 badminton athletes were included and completed the training intervention (age, 21.4 ± 1.4 years; stature, 170.1 ± 7.3 cm; body mass, 65.9 ± 12 kg); they were randomly divided into the APRE group ( = 9) and VBRT group ( = 9). Jumping performance was assessed during the countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and drop jump (DJ) SmartJump, with CMJ 's and SJ's jump height, eccentric utilization ratio (EUR), and reactive strength index (RSI). All participants then completed a 4-week in-season resistance training intervention.
RESULTS
(1) The results of the within-group indicated that only the CMJ (pre: 41.56 ± 7.84 post: 43.57 ± 7.85, < 0.05) of the APRE group had significant differences, whereas the SJ, EUR, and RSI were not significantly different ( > 0.05). (2) The results of the intergroups revealed that all indicators had no significant differences ( > 0.05), but APRE had a moderate effect size on the improvement of the CMJ ( = 0.244) and EUR ( = 0.068) when compared with VBRT.
CONCLUSIONS
The results showed that, compared to VBRT, APRE can effectively improve the performance of the reactive athletes' lower limb explosive power in the CMJ in a shorter period of time. The findings indicate that APRE may be useful for coaches seeking to improve the CMJ performance of athletes in the short term.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Young Adult; Athletes; Exercise; Muscle Strength; Racquet Sports; Resistance Training
PubMed: 37576500
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15877 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Sep 2023Well programmed strength and conditioning training is an indispensable part of the long-term training process for athletes in individual and team sports to improve...
BACKGROUND
Well programmed strength and conditioning training is an indispensable part of the long-term training process for athletes in individual and team sports to improve performance and prevent injuries. Yet, there is a limited number of studies available that examine the effects of resistance training (RT) on muscular fitness and physiological adaptations in elite female athletes.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review aimed to summarize recent evidence on the long-term effects of RT or combinations of RT with other strength-dominated exercise types on muscular fitness, muscle morphology, and body composition in female elite athletes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted in nine electronic databases (Academic Search Elite, CINAHL, ERIC, Open Access Theses and Dissertations, Open Dissertations, PsycINFO, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus) from inception until March 2022. Key search terms from the MeSH database such as RT and strength training were included and combined using the operators "AND," "OR," and "NOT". The search syntax initially identified 181 records. After screening for titles, abstracts, and full texts, 33 studies remained that examined the long-term effects of RT or combinations of RT with other strength-dominated exercise types on muscular fitness, muscle morphology, and body composition in female elite athletes.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies used single-mode RT or plyometric training and nine studies investigated the effects of combined training programs such as resistance with plyometric or agility training, resistance and speed training, and resistance and power training. The training duration lasted at least 4 weeks, but most studies used ~ 12 weeks. Studies were generally classified as 'high-quality' with a mean PEDro score of 6.8 (median 7). Irrespective of the type or combination of RT with other strength-dominated exercise regimens (type of exercise, exercise duration, or intensity), 24 out of 33 studies reported increases in muscle power (e.g., maximal and mean power; effect size [ES]: 0.23 < Cohen's d < 1.83, small to large), strength (e.g., one-repetition-maximum [1RM]; ES: 0.15 < d < 6.80, small to very large), speed (e.g., sprint times; ES: 0.01 < d < 1.26, small to large), and jump performance (e.g., countermovement/squat jump; ES: 0.02 < d < 1.04, small to large). The nine studies that examined the effects of combined training showed significant increases on maximal strength (ES: 0.08 < d < 2.41, small to very large), muscle power (ES: 0.08 < d < 2.41, small to very large), jump and sprint performance (ES: 0.08 < d < 2.41, small to very large). Four out of six studies observed no changes in body mass or percentage of body fat after resistance or plyometric training or combined training (ES: 0.026 < d < 0.492, small to medium). Five out of six studies observed significant changes in muscle morphology (e.g., muscle thickness, muscle fiber cross-sectional area; ES: 0.23 < d < 3.21, small to very large). However, one study did not find any changes in muscle morphology (i.e., muscle thickness, pennation angle; ES: 0.1 < d < 0.19, small).
CONCLUSION
Findings from this systematic review suggest that RT or combined RT with other strength-dominated exercise types leads to significant increases in measures of muscle power, strength, speed, and jump performance in elite female athletes. However, the optimal dosage of programming parameters such as training intensity and duration necessary to induce large effects in measures of muscular fitness and their physiological adaptations remain to be resolved in female elite athletes.
Topics: Humans; Female; Resistance Training; Athletic Performance; Muscle Strength; Body Composition; Athletes; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal
PubMed: 37289331
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01859-4 -
Journal of Electromyography and... Dec 2023The habitual use of resistance exercises involving concentric and eccentric contractions can increase muscle strength, speed and endurance. However, current knowledge...
The habitual use of resistance exercises involving concentric and eccentric contractions can increase muscle strength, speed and endurance. However, current knowledge has limited potential to fully understand the application of such resistance training and the muscle changes that occur to differentiate these two types of training. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of concentric contraction (CON) and eccentric contraction (ECC) during an acute bout of resistance training on the hamstring contractile properties. A group of 20 female recreational athletes were divided into two equal groups, CON training and ECC training. The contractile properties of the muscles on both sides of the body were assessed using tensiomyography (TMG): biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST). The muscles were assessed twice, before and after 10 maximal repetitions of either concentric or eccentric isotonic contractions. The results indicate a greater change in TMG parameters with ECC training, with p < 0.001 (Td and Tc). An acute bout of resistance training induces changes in the muscle hamstrings contractile properties in both CON and ECC training. Eccentric training causes greater changes than concentric training, shortening contraction time (Td, Tc), increase radial displacement velocity (Vrd) and affecting changes in muscle belly displacement (Dm), so may be more effective in training.
Topics: Humans; Female; Resistance Training; Muscle, Skeletal; Muscle Contraction; Muscle Strength; Exercise Therapy
PubMed: 37696055
DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2023.102824 -
The Journal of Physiology Sep 2023We investigated the effects of performing a period of resistance training (RT) on the performance and molecular adaptations to a subsequent period of endurance training...
We investigated the effects of performing a period of resistance training (RT) on the performance and molecular adaptations to a subsequent period of endurance training (ET). Twenty-five young adults were divided into an RT+ET group (n = 13), which underwent 7 weeks of RT followed by 7 weeks of ET, and an ET-only group (n = 12), which performed 7 weeks of ET. Body composition, endurance performance and muscle biopsies were collected before RT (T1, baseline for RT+ET), before ET (T2, after RT for RT+ET and baseline for ET) and after ET (T3). Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine fibre cross-sectional area (fCSA), myonuclear content, myonuclear domain size, satellite cell number and mitochondrial content. Western blots were used to quantify markers of mitochondrial remodelling. Citrate synthase activity and markers of ribosome content were also investigated. RT improved body composition and strength, increased vastus lateralis thickness, mixed and type II fCSA, myonuclear number, markers of ribosome content, and satellite cell content (P < 0.050). In response to ET, both groups similarly decreased body fat percentage (P < 0.0001) and improved endurance performance (e.g. , and speed at which the onset of blood lactate accumulation occurred, P < 0.0001). Levels of mitochondrial complexes I-IV in the ET-only group increased 32-66%, while those in the RT+ET group increased 1-11% (time, P < 0.050). Additionally, mixed fibre relative mitochondrial content increased 15% in the ET-only group but decreased 13% in the RT+ET group (interaction, P = 0.043). In conclusion, RT performed prior to ET had no additional benefits to ET adaptations. Moreover, prior RT seemed to impair mitochondrial adaptations to ET. KEY POINTS: Resistance training is largely underappreciated as a method to improve endurance performance, despite reports showing it may improve mitochondrial function. Although several concurrent training studies are available, in this study we investigated the effects of performing a period of resistance training on the performance and molecular adaptations to subsequent endurance training. Prior resistance training did not improve endurance performance and impaired most mitochondrial adaptations to subsequent endurance training, but this effect may have been a result of detraining from resistance training.
Topics: Male; Young Adult; Humans; Resistance Training; Endurance Training; Adaptation, Physiological; Body Composition; Acclimatization; Muscle, Skeletal
PubMed: 37470322
DOI: 10.1113/JP284822 -
Research Quarterly For Exercise and... Dec 2023: We investigated the effect of drop-set (DS) and rest-pause (RP) systems compared to traditional (TRAD) resistance training on muscular adaptations and...
: We investigated the effect of drop-set (DS) and rest-pause (RP) systems compared to traditional (TRAD) resistance training on muscular adaptations and psychophysiological responses. : Twenty-seven trained men (age: 23.4 ± 3.4 years; resistance training experience: 5.1 ± 1.7 years) were assigned to experimental groups (DS: n = 9, 3 × 10 repetitions at 75% with 6 additional repetitions at 55% 1RM; RP: n = 9, 3 × 16 repetitions at 75% 1RM; TRAD: n = 9, 4 × 12 repetitions at 70% 1RM) and performed lower-limb training sessions twice a week for 8 weeks. Maximum dynamic strength (1RM) and localized muscular endurance (LME) tests were performed in 45° leg press at baseline and post intervention. Session-RPE was assessed 15 min after the end of each training session. : A significant time vs. group interaction was observed for 1RM ( = .012) and LME ( < .0001). Post hoc comparisons revealed that RP elicited greater gains in muscular strength than DS ( = .044) but not TRAD ( = .116); and DS elicited greater LME than RP ( < .001) and TRAD ( = .001). No statistical differences were observed in Session-RPE and training strain between conditions; however, RP promoted higher training monotony ( = .036) than DS and TRAD. : The DS and RP systems have a potential role in training programs aiming to promote muscle strength and localized muscular endurance adaptations, respectively. However, RP may promote higher training monotony than DS and TRAD, even though the other psychophysiological responses are similar.
Topics: Male; Humans; Young Adult; Adult; Muscle, Skeletal; Resistance Training; Muscle Strength; Weight Lifting; Rest
PubMed: 35998251
DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2022.2096843