The effect of training TRX on serum levels of myostatin and Follistatin and neuromuscular function in overweight elderly men

Myostatin and Follistatin are serum biomarkers associated with sarcopenia in old age. But their role in exercise-induced neuromuscular coordination in old age is not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of strength training TRX on serum levels of myostatin and Follistatin and neuromuscular function in overweight elderly men.

In this quasi-experimental study, 30 overweight elderly men with a mean age of (64.33±1.39) years were selected as a sample and randomly divided into two groups TRX and control. The experimental group trained in a TRX training program for 12 weeks and 3 sessions per week for 60 minutes. The intensity of the exercises was controlled by the Borg Pressure Perception Scale (RPE). Before and after the last training session, myostatin And Follistatin, and neuromuscular function (Time Up & Go and 5-Chair stand) were measured and the data were analyzed using a dependent t-test and analysis of covariance at the significant level of P <0.05.

12 weeks of TRX training caused a significant difference in the serum levels of myostatin (P=0.010) and variable Follistatin in the experimental and control groups. Also, the test time of 5-CS (P=0.014) and TUG (P=0.003) indices improved significantly in the experimental group. In the intragroup statistical analysis in the experimental group, the serum level of myostatin, the test time of 5-CS (P=0.001) and TUG (P=0.001) indicators in the pre-test and post-test, a significant decrease; But there was a significant increase in the Follistatin (P=0.001) variable.

It seems that TRX training effectively improved and developed neuromuscular coordination in overweight elderly with a positive change in sarcopenia-related markers. TRX exercises can be used as a complementary and low-cost treatment in rehabilitation and nursing care for the elderly.