Anabolic myokine responses and muscular performance following 8 weeks of autoregulated compared to linear resistance exercise in recreationally active males.

BACKGROUND: To date, no studies, to our knowledge, have compared the efficacy of autoregulated periodized and linear resistance exercises on anabolic myokines and muscular performance among recreationally active individuals. This study aimed to compare the effects of an 8-week autoregulated periodized resistance exercise (APRE) program with a linear resistance exercise (LRE) program on insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), follistatin (FST), myostatin (MST), body composition, muscular strength, and power in recreationally active males. METHODS: Thirty males were randomly assigned to either the APRE group (n = 15) or the LRE group (n = 15). Participants completed training three times a week for 8 weeks. The outcome measures included serum IGF-1, FST, MST, muscular strength (isometric knee extension and handgrip), power (vertical jump), lean body mass, and fat mass. RESULTS: IGF-1 circulating levels increased over time following APRE (34%) and with no significant change following LRE (~-1%). There were no significant differences over time or between groups for FST or MST. Muscular strength (knee extension [21.5 vs. ~16%] and handgrip [right: 31 vs. 25%; left: 31.7 vs. 28.8%]) and power (~ 33 vs. ~26%) significantly increased to a greater extent following APRE compared to LRE. Interestingly, the results revealed that lean body mass increased over time only after APRE (~ 3%), but not LRE. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that APRE may be more effective than LRE in increasing muscular strength, power, and lean body mass, as well as circulating IGF-1 levels, in recreationally active males. The observed differences may be attributed to the increased training volume associated with APRE. However, further research is needed to directly assess muscle protein synthesis.

Interactive effect of exercise training and growth hormone administration on histopathological and functional assessment of the liver in male Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Abuse of growth hormone (GH) is expanding in exercising populations due to its lipolytic and anabolic actions. The purpose of this study was to examine the interactive effect of exercise training and GH administration on histopathological and functional assessment in the liver of male Wistar rats. METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups including control + saline group (CS), GH injection group (GI), resistance training + saline group (RS), aerobic training + saline group (AS), resistance training + GH injection group (RG), aerobic training + GH injection group (AG). All groups were injected with either saline or GH 1 h before each training session. RT and AT were performed five days/week for a total of 8-weeks. At the end of the study, blood samples and liver tissue samples were taken to evaluate circulating AST, ALT, and ALP enzymes, as well as albumin protein. Histopathology of liver tissue was performed via qualitative microscopic evaluation. RESULTS: Microscopic evaluation of liver tissue did not show any histopathologic changes. All the groups administered with GH showed a significant increase in ALT, ALP, and albumin protein (P<0.05). However, AST enzyme concentrations increased significantly only in the RG group (P=0.022). In addition, neither RS nor the AS groups showed significant AST, ALT, and ALP changes, but serum albumin concentration significantly increased in the AS group (P=0.033). CONCLUSIONS: The elevation of liver enzymes showed that GH administration with or without exercise training might cause severe liver damage.

Changes in metabolites level in internet-addicted adolescents through exercise.

BACKGROUND: Internet addiction has been particularly prevalent among adolescents in recent years. This type of addiction, similar to drug addiction, causes dependence and disturbance in brain reward pathways. Physical activity is one way to prevent and treat some types of addiction. Aerobic exercise affects the dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways and improves the side effects of addiction. In this study, we examined the effect of eight weeks of aerobic exercise on the dopamine metabolite including homovanillic acid, L-tryptophan and 5-hydroxy indole acetic acid, which are precursors and the final product of serotonin metabolism in adolescent boys with internet addiction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine healthy non-internet addicted and internet-addicted boys were selected and divided into three groups: exercising internet-addicted (G1), internet-addicted (G2), and healthy non-internet addicted (G3) groups. Before and after aerobic exercise, 24-h urine samples were collected, and the target metabolites were analyzed spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: Results showed that for pre-exercise subjects, there was a significant difference in the homovanillic acid levels in G3 as compared to G1 and G2. For post-exercise cases, the changes were significant in G1 in comparison to G2 and for G2 in comparison G3. For pre-exercise subjects, there was a significant difference in the L-tryptophan level in G3 and G1, as well as G3 and G2. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that Aerobic exercise can improve the dopaminergic system that is disrupted by internet addiction.

The effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in conjunction with concurrent training on body composition, glycaemic status, and inflammatory markers in obese men with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double-blind clinical trial.

AIMS: Chronic inflammation is one of the major challenges in the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our primary aim was to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) supplementation and concurrent training in obese men with T2DM. METHODS: Sixty obese men with T2DM (age = 39 ± 5 years; body mass = 93.9 ± 6 kg) were randomly assigned to four groups; concurrent training + placebo (CT; n = 15), saffron supplementation (S; n = 15), concurrent training + saffron supplementation (CTS; n = 15), or control (CON; n = 15). The participants in the CT group performed concurrent training (resistance + aerobic) three times per week for 12 weeks and received daily one pill of placebo (maltodextrin); the participants in the S group supplemented with one pill of 100 mg of saffron daily, and the participants in the CTS group participated in both saffron and training intervention while CON group continued regular lifestyle (no training and no supplementation). Inflammatory markers, body composition (evaluated by a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance device; Jawon X-Contact 356), and metabolic profile were evaluated before and after interventions. RESULTS: All three interventions significantly (P < .05) decreased TNF-α (CT = -4.22, S = -1.91, CTS = -9.69 pg/mL), hs-CRP (CT = -0.13, S = -0.1, CTS = -0.32 ng/mL), IL-6 (CT = -6.84, S = -6.36, CTS = -13.55 pg/mL), IL-1ß (CT = -8.85, S = -6.46, CTS = -19.8 pg/mL), FBG (CT = -6.97, S = -2.45, CTS = -13.86 mg/dL), insulin (CT = -0.13, S = -0.03, CTS = -0.21 mU/L), HOMA-IR (CT = -0.12, S = -0.04, CTS = -0.21), HbA1c (CT = -0.17, S = -0.11, CTS = -0.26%), and increased IL-10 (CT = 1.09, S = 0.53, CTS = 2.27 pg/mL) concentrations. There was a positive correlation between changes in BFP with hs-CRP, IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α, and IL-10 concentrations across the intervention groups. Additionally, significant differences were observed between the changes for all variables in the CTS group compared to CT, S and CON groups (P < .05). CONCLUSION: It seems that an interaction of saffron supplementation and concurrent training has more efficient effects on anti-inflammatory status compared to saffron supplementation or concurrent training alone.

Auto-regulatory progressive training compared to linear programming on muscular strength, endurance, and body composition in recreationally active males.

We compared eight weeks of auto-regulatory progressive resistance exercise (APRE) to linear programming resistance exercise (LPRE) on changes in muscular strength and endurance, anaerobic power, and body composition in recreationally active males. Twenty-four recreationally active males (age: 24 ± 3 y; body mass: 78.3 ± 10.3 kg) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: APRE (n = 12) and LPRE (n = 12). Both groups performed supervised training 3x/week for eight weeks Upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance, anaerobic power, and body composition were assessed at baseline, week 4, and 48 h after the final training session. Repeated measures ANOVA and hedge's g effect sizes (ES) were used to interpret the data. After training, there was a significant increase in absolute leg press (APRE: ES = 2.23; LPRE: ES = 1.35) and chest press strength (APRE: ES = 2.19; LPRE: ES = 0.98), upper (APRE: ES = 2.50; LPRE: ES = 1.074), and lower body peak power (APRE: ES = 0.78; LPRE: ES = 0.39), and upper (APRE: ES = 2.50; LPRE: ES = 1.60) and lower mean power (APRE: ES = 0.99; LPRE: ES = 0.54) over time in both groups compared to baseline. Following APRE, absolute leg press strength was significantly greater compared to LPRE (p = 0.04; ES = 2.41, ES = 1.36), while absolute chest press strength gains were similar between groups (p = 0.08; ES = 2.21, ES = 0.98). Skeletal muscle mass significantly increased similarly in both groups over time (APRE: ES = 0.46; LPRE: ES = 0.21), while there was no change over time or between groups for body fat %. APRE and LPRE were both effective at improving anaerobic power and skeletal muscle mass; however, APRE was more effective at improving lower body muscular strength in recreationally active males.

Effects of Icelandic yogurt consumption and resistance training in healthy untrained older males.

Due to the important roles of resistance training and protein consumption in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia, we assessed the efficacy of post-exercise Icelandic yogurt consumption on lean mass, strength and skeletal muscle regulatory factors in healthy untrained older males. Thirty healthy untrained older males (age = 68 ± 4 years) were randomly assigned to Icelandic yogurt (IR; n 15, 18 g of protein) or an iso-energetic placebo (PR; n 15, 0 g protein) immediately following resistance training (3×/week) for 8 weeks. Before and after training, lean mass, strength and skeletal muscle regulatory factors (insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), Activin A, myostatin (MST) and follistatin (FST)) were assessed. There were group × time interactions (P < 0·05) for body mass (IR: Δ 1, PR: Δ 0·7 kg), BMI (IR: Δ 0·3, PR: Δ 0·2 kg/m2), lean mass (IR: Δ 1·3, PR: Δ 0·6 kg), bench press (IR: Δ 4, PR: 2·3 kg), leg press (IR: Δ 4·2, PR: Δ 2·5 kg), IGF-1 (IR: Δ 0·5, Δ PR: 0·1 ng/ml), TGF-ß (IR: Δ - 0·2, PR: Δ - 0·1 ng/ml), GDF15 (IR: Δ - 10·3, PR: Δ - 4·8 pg/ml), Activin A (IR: Δ - 9·8, PR: Δ - 2·9 pg/ml), MST (IR: Δ - 0·1, PR: Δ - 0·04 ng/ml) and FST (IR: Δ 0·09, PR: Δ 0·03 ng/ml), with Icelandic yogurt consumption resulting in greater changes compared with placebo. The addition of Icelandic yogurt consumption to a resistance training programme improved lean mass, strength and altered skeletal muscle regulatory factors in healthy untrained older males compared with placebo. Therefore, Icelandic yogurt as a nutrient-dense source and cost-effective supplement enhances muscular gains mediated by resistance training and consequently may be used as a strategy for the prevention of sarcopenia.

Spirulina supplementation during gradual weight loss in competitive wrestlers.

We aimed to assess the effects of spirulina supplementation during gradual weight loss on serum concentrations of follistatin (FST), myostatin (MST), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and body composition in competitive wrestlers. Forty competitive wrestlers (age: 22 (sem 2) years) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: gradual weight loss + spirulina (SP; n 20) or gradual weight loss + placebo (PL; n 20). Subjects in both groups lost weight according to a designed diet over 12 d and were required to reduce baseline body mass (BM) by 4%. Subjects in the SP group received two tablets of spirulina, while subjects in the PL received two tablets of placebo before each meal. Concentrations of mentioned serum markers and body composition were measured before and after the interventions. BM (SP = -3·1 kg and PL = -2·9 kg), body fat percentage (BFP) (SP = -2·1 % and PL = -0·6 %), fat mass (FM) (SP = -2·2 kg and PL = -0·9 kg) and skeletal muscle mass (SP = -1·4 kg and PL = -1·5 kg) significantly decreased in both groups (P < 0·05). The changes in BFP and FM were significantly greater in SP compared with the PL group (P < 0·001). Additionally, MST (SP = -0·1 ng/ml), AST (SP = -2·1 u/l) and ALT (SP = -2·7 u/l) concentrations significantly diminished in SP group (P = 0·005), while FST (PL = -0·1 ng/ml) and IGF-1 (PL = -2·6 ng/ml) concentrations significantly decreased in PL group (P < 0·05). Spirulina supplementation during gradual weight loss is beneficial in reducing BFP, FM, MST and liver enzymes while maintaining IGF-1 and FST concentrations in competitive wrestlers.

The effects of interval aerobic training on mesenchymal biomarker gene expression, the rate of tumor volume, and cachexia in mice with breast cancer.

OBJECTIVES: It seems that regular exercise can have inhibitory effects on the progression of breast cancer. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the influences of interval aerobic training on mesenchymal biomarker gene expression, muscle cachexia, and tumor volume changes in mice with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two female Balb/c mice were allocated to four groups: Exercise Tumor Exercise, Rest Tumor Rest (Control), Rest Tumor Exercise, and Exercise Tumor Rest. Interval aerobic training was done 6 weeks before and 4 weeks after tumor induction. Weight test and inverted screen test were carried out as muscle function tests. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and HSD post hoc. RESULTS: The results showed a significant decrease in gene expressions of Twist, Vimentin, and TGF-ß in Exercise Tumor Exercise group in comparison with the Control group (P<0.05). Remarkable reduction of the rate of tumor volume was also observed in two training groups (Rest Tumor Exercise, Exercise Tumor Exercise) compared with the control group. According to function tests' results, muscle functions were diminished due to cancer, but interval aerobic training can keep muscles in a normally-functioning state in cancer (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Considering final results, a period of interval aerobic training can be used not only as a prevention method, but also help cancer treatment and impede cachexia by tumor volume reduction, decrease mesenchymal biomarker gene expression, and increase muscle strength functions.

Effects of hydrotherapy with massage on serum nerve growth factor concentrations and balance in middle aged diabetic neuropathy patients.

BACKGROUND: and purpose: Nerve growth factor (NGF) concentrations and balance are reduced in diabetic neuropathy (DN) patients. We examined the effects of hydrotherapy and massage on NGF, balance and glycemic markers in middle aged DN patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned into four groups, aquatic exercise (AE; n = 10), AE + massage (AM; n = 10), massage (M; n = 10) or control (C; n = 9). Subjects in AE and AM groups exercised three times per week. Subjects in the AM and M groups received massage during the same period. Glycemic markers, NGF and balance were evaluated prior to and following the interventions. RESULTS: NGF, glycemic markers and dynamic balance improved in AE, AM and M groups; however, the increase was greater following the AM trial (p < 0.01) when compared to the other trials. CONCLUSION: A combination of hydrotherapy and massage enhances NGF concentrations, balance and the glycemic profile compared to hydrotherapy or massage alone.

Effects of green tea extract supplementation and endurance training on irisin, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and adiponectin concentrations in overweight middle-aged men.

PURPOSE: Green tea extract (GTE) supplementation has been proposed to possess anti-inflammatory properties. This study assessed the effects of GTE on endurance training (ET) induced changes on irisin, pro-inflammatory cytokines, adiponectin and anthropometric indices in overweight middle-aged males. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 15): endurance training + placebo (ET + P), endurance training + green tea extract supplementation (ET + GTE), and no endurance training + placebo (P). The ET intervention consisted of an 8-week training program that included circuit training, fast walking or jogging performed three times/week at a moderate intensity (40-59% of the heart rate reserve). Participants received 500 mg/day GTE using a green tea capsule. Serum concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), irisin, adiponectin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured prior to and after the 8-week training intervention. RESULTS: Both exercise interventions decreased IL-6 and hs-CRP (p < 0.05), and increased adiponectin (p < 0.01) levels; changes in these variables were greater in the ET + GTE group compared to the ET + P and P groups (p < 0.01). Irisin concentrations increased only in the ET + GTE group and were different from the ET + P and P groups (p < 0.01). There were no changes in TNF-α concentrations in any of the groups. Both exercise interventions (ET + GTE and ET + P) decreased bodyweight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP), and visceral fat area (VFA) (p < 0.05), with greater changes in these variables occurring in the ET + GTE group compared to ET + P and P groups (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The combination of GTE supplementation and ET produces beneficial anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects, which were greater than those produced by ET alone.

Synergism Effects of Ursolic Acid Supplementation on the Levels of Irisin, C-reactive Protein, IL-6, and TNF-α During High-intensity Resistance Training in Low Activity Men.

BACKGROUND: Ursolic Acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid carboxylic acid which is extracted from plants. UA may enhance the effect of Resistance Training (RT) in human. OBJECTIVE: Current research was designed to show the effect of High-Intensity Resistance Training (HIRT) in the presence or absence of UA on the serum levels of irisin, CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α in the low activity men. METHODS: The study included twenty-two healthy male HIRT with placebo, supplementation, and HIRT in the presence of UA supplementation. The two groups received eight-week intervention including 2 sets of 8 exercises, with 8~10 repetitions at 70~75% of 1 repetition maximum and a 2 min rest interval between sets, performed 3 times/week. Placebo or UA orally was evaluated as 1 capsule 3 times/day during 8 weeks. The subsequent factors were measured post- and preintervention: C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Irisin, Tumor Necrotic Factor (TNF-α) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6). RESULTS: UA supplementation significantly increased the plasma levels of irisin in the HIRT+UA group versus the HIRT+P group (p<0.05). UA treatment also dramatically decreased the plasma levels of CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α in the HIRT+UA group versus the HIRT+P group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The current data showed that UA-induced an increase in serum irisin and reduction of CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α may have beneficial effects as a chemical for increasing of the effects of HIRT in low activity men.

Does green tea extract enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise on fat loss?

AIMS: Green tea extract (GTE) can exert antiobesity and anti-inflammatory effects. Our study determined whether the benefits of GTE are summative with exercise-induced changes in anthropometric indices, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines, adiponectin and irisin in inactive overweight women. METHODS: Thirty overweight female participants were randomized to 3 groups: endurance training + placebo (ET + P); endurance training + GTE (ET + GTE); and Control (no exercise) + placebo (Control, n = 10). The exercise intervention consisted of an 8-week endurance-training programme of 3 sessions per week (aerobics, aerobic circuit training, and fast walking or jogging at a moderate intensity of 40-59% of the heart rate reserve). The dose of GTE used was 500 mg/day in the form of a green tea capsule. RESULTS: Body weight, body mass index, waist to hip ratio and body fat percentage were decreased in both ET + P and ET + GTE interventions (P < .001 for both interventions). The reduction of anthropometric values in the ET + GTE group was significantly higher than ET + P interventions (P < .001). Both exercise interventions also significantly (P < .001) increased adiponectin (ET + GTE = 5.28 mg/mL [95% confidence interval {CI}, 4.48 to 6.08] and ET + P = 3.34 mg/mL [95% CI, 2.76 to 3.92]) and decreased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP; ET + GTE = -0.95 mg/L [95% CI, -1.15 to -0.75] and ET + P = -0.35 mg/L [95% CI, -0.46 to -0.24]). Changes in adiponectin and hs-CRP were greater (P < .05) in ET + GTE compared to ET + P. There were no significant differences in irisin, interleukin-6 or tumour necrosis factor-α between the 3 groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: GTE improves exercise-induced body composition by further decreasing exercise-induced changes in weight, body mass index, waist to hip ratio and body fat percentage. The combination of GTE and exercise also produced greater changes in anti-inflammatory (increases in adiponectin) and metabolic (decreases in hs-CRP) markers than exercise alone.

Effects of exercise training on serum preptin, undercarboxylated osteocalcin and high molecular weight adiponectin in adults with metabolic syndrome.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Are the advantages of aerobic interval exercise, resistance exercise and concurrent exercise on the metabolic profile mediated in part through preptin and undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOCN)? What is the main finding and its importance? Glucose was significantly lowered after concurrent exercise and aerobic interval exercise, but serum preptin and insulin were significantly lowered in all three training groups. By contrast, ucOCN and high molecular weight adiponectin increased significantly in all three training groups. These findings support the possible cross-talk between bone, pancreatic ß-cells and energy metabolism in humans and suggest that preptin and ucOCN may potentially serve as markers of exercise-induced improvement of metabolism. ABSTRACT: Preptin is a peptide hormone that plays an important role in the development of obesity by regulation of carbohydrate metabolism. Undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOCN) is also linked to the regulation of body energy in that it modulates fat and glucose metabolism. This research aimed to examine the impact of aerobic interval, resistance and concurrent exercise on serum preptin, ucOCN and high molecular weight adiponectin (HMW-APN) in obese adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Forty-four obese men with MetS were randomized to receive aerobic interval exercise (AIEX, n = 10), resistance exercise (REX, n = 10), or concurrent aerobic interval and resistance exercise (CEX, n = 10), or to act as a non-exercise control (CON, n = 10) three times a week for 12 weeks. Preptin was reduced more after AIEX and CEX than after REX (89.1% and 87.1% versus 9.6%; P = 0.028 and 0.030, respectively). ucOCN increased significantly only in the CEX (27.5%, P = 0.009) and AIEX (25%, P = 0.025) groups, but HMW-APN increased significantly in all three training groups (AIEX 145.1%, P < 0.001; CEX 137%, P < 0.001; and REX 59.8%, P = 0.041). After the intervention, the improvement of peak oxygen uptake ( V̇O2peak ) in the AIEX group (73%) was greater than in the CEX (29.3%) and REX (3.8%) groups. On the other hand, CEX exhibited a greater reduction in glucose, insulin, insulin resistance index and HbA1c than did AIEX and REX. Our study indicates that the reduction in glucose after exercise training (especially AIEX and CEX) may be, somewhat, linked to decreased preptin and raised ucOCN and HMW-APN.

Effects of upper-body, lower-body, or combined resistance training on the ratio of follistatin and myostatin in middle-aged men.

PURPOSE: Due to the mechanistic role of myostatin and follistatin in modulating muscle mass, shifts in the follistatin to myostatin ratio (F:M) may help explain changes in muscular size in response to resistance training (RT). The present study examined whether differential responses in follistatin and myostatin occur based on the amount of active musculature in a RT program in middle-aged men. METHODS: Forty middle-aged men (age = 46.5 ± 3.1 years) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups, upper-body RT (UB; n = 10), lower-body RT (LB; n = 10), combined RT (UB + LB; n = 10) or control (C; n = 10). The training protocol consisted of three exercise sessions per week for 8 weeks. Blood samples were obtained at baseline and 48 h after the final session of the training program. RESULTS: Muscle mass significantly increased (p < 0.05) following UB = 0.76 ± 0.46 kg, LB = 0.90 ± 0.29 kg, UB + LB = 1.38 ± 0.70 kg, compared to no changes after control. Serum follistatin increased in the LB = 0.24 ± 0.06 ng mL-1, UB = 0.27 ± 0.17 ng mL-1, UB + LB = 0.50 ± 0.18 ng mL-1, while serum myostatin decreased in the LB = - 0.11 ± 0.08 ng mL-1 and UB + LB = - 0.34 ± 0.23 ng mL-1, but not UB = 0.07 ± 0.16 ng mL-1. Further, change in concentration following training was larger between UB + LB and either LB or UB alone for both follistatin and myostatin. CONCLUSIONS: Both UB and LB increase muscle mass and alter the F: M ratio; however, the change in these endocrine markers is approximately twice as large if UB and LB is combined. The endocrine response to RT of myostatin and follistatin may depend on the volume of muscle mass activated during training.

The Risk of Developing Obesity, Insulin Resistance, and Metabolic Syndrome in Former Power-sports Athletes - Does Sports Career Termination Increase the Risk.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is associated with several complications like metabolic syndrome. Many professional athletes adopt a sedentary lifestyle after retirement. This study was aimed at assessing the risk of developing obesity, insulin resistance (IR), and metabolic syndrome among former power-sports athletes, compared with age-matched active athletes and nonathletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in Mashhad during 2012-2014. The individuals were recruited through announcements and were divided into three groups of active athletes (n = 34), ex-athletes (n = 30), and nonathletes (n = 30). Demographic and anthropometric data were collected and biochemical factors including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein were measured. RESULTS: Ex-athletes had significantly higher mean values of weight, body mass index, diastolic blood pressure, LDL-C, insulin, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) IR, and HOMA ß-cell function (HOMA-%ß-cell) compared with active athletes and nonathletes (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.03, P = 0.01, P = 0.02, and P = 0.01, respectively). However, mean values of HDL-C was significantly lower in ex-athletes compared with nonathletes (P < 0.001). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome showed no significant difference among three groups, although its mean was higher among ex-athletes. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that abandoning regular athletic exercise and weight cycling in power sports athletes leads to adverse outcomes such as obesity and IR. Although higher IR might not necessarily result in metabolic syndrome in short term, it could cause metabolic syndrome in the long run.

Profiling and predicting performance of indoor rock climbers / Perfil e predição do desempenho de escaladores indoor

Abstract The aim of this study is to establish somatotype and profile the anthropometric and biomotor characteristics of indoor rock climbers. Fourteen elite level male and ten recreational female Iranian indoor rock climbers completed a battery of tests. All anthropometric measurements were performed according to the recommendations of international standards for anthropometric assessment. Upper body strength and endurance were assessed by isometric tests. Explosive power and balance were also evaluated by Sargent jump and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), respectively. Samples' somatotypes were calculated by the method of Heath and Carter. Pearson's correlation coefficient and partial correlations were calculated and stepwise multiple regression analyses were implemented to determine a set of best predictors of elite male climbers' ability. Shoulder width, body fat content, upper-body strength and endurance for females, showed the most correlation with the climbing ability (range: r = 0.46-0.7, p ≤ 0.05), while among the male samples, these correlations with the climbing ability were mostly between WHR, absolute and relative to body mass handgrip strength, SEBT performance and the left-hand digit ratio. The results of stepwise multiple regression revealed that the SEBT performance in the posterior direction of right foot stance and Upper Extremity Girth Index are able to explain 62% of the variance of climbing ability. It is likely that decreasing the fat mass has no direct impact on the climbers' performance. Also, SEBT performance is able to predict 35% of climbing performance. Hence, it seems balance exercises could be effective in improvement of climbing performance.

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi estabelecer o somatotipo, o perfil antropométrico e neuromotor de escaladores indoor. Quatorze atletas do sexo masculino de elite e 10 atletas recreacionais do sexo feminino do Irã da modalidade escalada indoor participaram da pesquisa. Todas as medidas antropométricas foram coletas conforme padronizações internacionais. Força e resistência dos membros superiores foram avaliadas por teste isométrico. Força explosiva e equilíbrio foram avaliados pelos testes Sargent jump e Star Excursion Balance (SEBT), respectivamente. O somatotipo foi calculado pelo método Heath e Carter. O coeficiente de correlação de Pearson, correlações parciais e a análise de regressão múltipla foram utilizados. Largura do ombro, percentual de gordura corporal, força e resistência dos membros superiores para as mulheres apresentaram correlação positiva com a capacidade de escalar (ranque: r = 0,46-0,70, p ? 0,05). Para os homens, a habilidade de escalar foi associada com a razão cintura estatura, força de preensão manual absoluta e relativa à massa corporal, ao equilíbrio e a proporção digital da mão esquerda. O desempenho no SEBT e o índice de circunferência dos membros superiores tiveram o poder de explicar 62% na variação da capacidade de escalar. É provável que diminuir a massa de gordura não tenha impacto direto no desempenho dos escaladores. Além disso, o desempenho do SEBT é capaz de prever 35% do desempenho de escalada. Portanto, parece que os exercícios de equilíbrio podem ser eficazes na melhoria do desempenho de escalada.

The effect of eight weeks resistance and aerobic training on myostatin and follistatin expression in cardiac muscle of rats.

Introduction: The clinical studies have shown that the myostatin gene expression and its serum density occur more frequently in heart patients than in healthy individuals. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of 8-week resistance and aerobic exercise on the myostatin and follistatin gene expression of myocardium muscle of healthy male Wistar rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 20 five-week-old adult Wistar rats (250 ± 26.5 g) were divided into three groups: healthy control group (n = 6), resistance exercise group (n = 7), and aerobic exercise group (n = 7). The resistance and aerobic exercise plan consisted of 8 weeks and 3 sessions per week. The resistance exercise group performed climbing a one-meter 26-stair ladder with a slope of 85 degrees for 3 sets of 5 repetitions per session. The aerobic exercise group performed running at a speed of 12 meters per minute for 30 minutes during the first sessions gradually increasing up to a speed of 30 meters per minute for 60 minutes during the final sessions (equivalent to 70% to 80% of maximum oxygen consumption). The differences between the groups were evaluated using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. When appropriate, LSD post-hoc test was used. The significance level for the study was less than 0.05. Results: The results of this study shows that after 8 weeks of exercise, there is no significant difference between myostatin mRNA gene expression levels of the heart muscle among the three groups of control, resistance exercise, and aerobic exercise (P = 0.172, F = 1.953). However, the mean differences between follistatin mRNA levels of the heart muscle among the three groups of control, resistance exercise, and aerobic exercise are statistically significant (F = 38.022, P = 0.001). Furthermore, the ratio of follistatin to myostatin mRNA gene expression of the heart muscle (P = 0.001, F = 10.288) shows significant difference among the three groups. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the resistance and aerobic exercise could cause a decrease in myostatin and an increase in follistatin levels, thus preventing many muscular physiological disorders such as arthritis and muscle weakness.

The effect of rate of weight reduction on serum myostatin and follistatin concentrations in competitive wrestlers.

PURPOSE: To evaluate anthropometric measures and serum markers of myostatin-pathway activity after different weight-reduction protocols in wrestlers. METHODS: Subjects were randomly assigned to a gradual-weight-reduction (GWR) or rapid-weight-reduction (RWR) group. Food logs were collected for the duration of the study. Anthropometric measurements and serum samples were collected after an 8-h fast at baseline and after the weight-reduction intervention. Subjects reduced body mass by 4%. The GWR group restricted calories over 12 d, while the RWR group restricted calories over 2 d. A series of 2×5 repeated-measures (RM) ANOVAs was conducted to examine differences in nutrient consumption, while separate 2×2 RM ANOVAs were conducted to examine differences in anthropometric measures and serum markers. When applicable, Tukey post hoc comparisons were conducted. Significance for all tests was set at P<.05. RESULTS: There were no between-groups differences for any anthropometric measure (P>.05). Subjects in both groups experienced a significant reduction in body mass, fat mass, lean mass, and percent body fat (P<.05). There were no between-groups differences in serum markers of myostatin-pathway activity (P>.05), but subjects in the RWR condition experienced a significant increase in serum myostatin (P<.01), a decrease in follistatin (P<.01), and an increase in myostatin-to-follistatin ratio (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Although there were no between-groups differences for any outcome variables, the serum myostatin-to-follistatin ratio was significantly increased in the RWR group, possibly signaling the early stages of skeletal-muscle catabolism.