Amir Mohtashami; Marziyeh Saghebjoo; Farhad Rahmani-nia
Abstract
Background and Aim: Resistance training (RT) plays a major role in developing muscle mass and strength. This study aimed to compare the effect of eight weeks of modified German volume resistance training (MGVRT), high-intensity resistance training (HIRT), and non-linear resistance training (NLRT) on ...
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Background and Aim: Resistance training (RT) plays a major role in developing muscle mass and strength. This study aimed to compare the effect of eight weeks of modified German volume resistance training (MGVRT), high-intensity resistance training (HIRT), and non-linear resistance training (NLRT) on the serum levels of myostatin (Mstn), follistatin (FLS), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and muscle mass and strength in male athletes. Materials and Methods: Forty young men bodybuilders were randomly assigned into equal groups, including MGVRT, HIRT, NLRT, and control. Training protocols were performed for eight weeks (three times a week). Selected biochemical variables, muscle mass, and strength were measured before and 48 hours after the last training session. For statistical analyses the analysis of covariance, repeated-measures analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests were and significance level was set as p≤0.05. Results: The Mstn and FLS protein levels significantly decreased and increased, respectively in all three experimental groups compared with the control group. Moreover, the NF-κB level was significantly lower in the MGVRT and HIRT groups than NLRT and control groups. Furthermore, the arm and thigh circumference and muscular strength in the chest press and squat movements significantly increased in all three experimental groups as compared with the control group where the increase in arm circumference in the MGVRT group was significantly higher than in the HIRT and NLRT groups and as the same the muscular strength in the HIRT group was significantly higher than in the MGVRT and NLRT groups. Conclusion: All three RT protocols lead to improve biochemical, anthropometric, and functional indices in male athletes, but the MGVRT and HIRT protocols led to more increase in muscular hypertrophy and maximum strength, respectively. However, further studies are needed on the relationship between RT protocols with muscle mass and strength, and the biochemical parameters associated with them.
Amir Kargaran; Sadegh Amani-Shalamzari
Abstract
Background and Aim: Dual-task training is recommended for the elderly people; while this kind of training have a low metabolic load on the skeletal muscle structure. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of an eight-week cognitive-walking training with blood flow restriction (BFR) on muscle quality ...
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Background and Aim: Dual-task training is recommended for the elderly people; while this kind of training have a low metabolic load on the skeletal muscle structure. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of an eight-week cognitive-walking training with blood flow restriction (BFR) on muscle quality (MQ) and bone density in elderly women. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight eligible elder women (63.1±2.90 yrs.) were randomly assigned into three groups (n=10) including cognitive-aerobic (CAG), cognitive-aerobic with occlusion (CAOG), and control (CG). The subjects in experimental groups trained three times a week for eight weeks; 20-min cognitive-walking training on treadmill at 45% of maximal heart rate reserve. Two pairs of cuffs were tied to the upper part of both thighs in the occlusion group. The cuff pressure was 50% of the calculated arterial occlusion and increased by 10% in every two weeks. Cognitive tasks included counting backward, remembering objects, and making worlds. Before and post performing protocol, MQ of the upper and lower body, cognitive test, and physical function tests were measured. Analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data at the significance level of p<0.05. Results: Significant improvements in lower body MQ (p=0.001), leg strength (p=0.001), functional test (p=0.001), fat mass (p=0.001), and body fat percentage (p=0.001) were observed in CAOG as compared to other groups. In addition, significant increase were observed in body mass (p=0.001), body mass index (p=0.001), and the cognitive test (p=0.001) in two experimental groups. However, there was no differences in bone mineral density (p=0.08), lean body mass (p=0.19) and arm MQ (p=0.09) between the groups. Conclusion: The blood flow restriction can increases muscle strength and MQ. Cognitive activity during walking is also associated with improved cognitive function in the brain. Hence, the elderly people are advised to use cognitive activities and BFR during walking for more benefits.
Taher Afsharnezhad Roudsari; AliReza Amani
Abstract
Background and Aim: Resistance training (RT) is the most effective strategy to prevent age-related muscle wasting and weakness, because it promotes muscle strength and function. As the loss of muscle mass contributes to sarcopenia, the effects of RT on hypertrophy and its myogenic processes is controversial ...
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Background and Aim: Resistance training (RT) is the most effective strategy to prevent age-related muscle wasting and weakness, because it promotes muscle strength and function. As the loss of muscle mass contributes to sarcopenia, the effects of RT on hypertrophy and its myogenic processes is controversial in old age. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of RT on strength, mass and protein level of myogenin in gastrocnemius muscle of elderly rats. Materials and Methods: Sixteen elderly male Sprague-Dawley rats (24-month age) divided equally to two groups (control and RT). RT group underwent 8weeks (3-days/week) of resistance training by climbing a wooden ladder with weights attached to their tails. 48h after last session, isometric force, muscle wet mass and protein level of myogenin of gastrocnemius muscle were measured in both groups. For statistical analysis, independent sample t-test was used with a significance level of 0.05. Results: Absolute and relative (to body mass) isometric force of RT group were significantly greater than those in control group. There was not any significant difference in wet muscle mass between groups. Western blot analysis of muscle tissue also showed that the levels of myogenin did not significantly differ between two groups. Conclusion: Force production capacity and muscle quality (force to muscle mass ratio) were increased following resistance training in elderly rats through events are likely caused by neuromuscular adaptations. Additionally, the results suggest that increase in strength after resistance training in aged rats cannot be explained in terms of the changing in muscle mass and myogenin expression values.
Himan Ebrahimi; Ramin Balouchi; Rasoul Eslami; Mahdi Shahrokhi
Abstract
Bachground and Aim: Low back pain is one of the most common health problems in communications across the world, especially in industrialized countries; hence it would be necessary to find some ways to prevent and treat the low back pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of core stabilization ...
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Bachground and Aim: Low back pain is one of the most common health problems in communications across the world, especially in industrialized countries; hence it would be necessary to find some ways to prevent and treat the low back pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of core stabilization exercises on disability and abdominal and back muscle strength in patients with chronic low back pain caused by disc herniation. Materials and Methods: 30 male and female patients with chronic low back pain caused referred to physical therapy clinics purposefully selected and randomly were divided into two groups as experimental and control. The experimental group was received core stabilization exercises and conventional treatment; but thecontrol group received only conventional treatment for 8-weeks. The Oswestry questionnaire was used to assess the variables of disability, moreover, the Straight leg raising test for abdominal muscle strength and dynamometer test for back muscle strength also were used. Analysis of covariance was used to test data and the significance level was considered as p≤0.05. Results: The result indicated that 8-weeks of core stabilization exercises significantly reduced the disability (p=0.001). Moreover, increase in abdominal muscle strength (p=0.001) and back muscles strength were significantly higher (p=0.001) in the experimental group as compared to the control group. Conclusion: Prescribing core stabilization exercises by taking the necessary precautions, can be effective to reduce disability and improving muscle strength in patients with chronic low back pain caused by disc herniation.
