resistance training

Aging and the progressive effects of sarcopenia on muscle tissue, coupled with its synergy with obesity, highlight the increasing role of myostatin as a key factor in muscle atrophy and inter-tissue interactions. Physical exercise may influence these pathways. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of eight weeks of resistance training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the strength of the lower limb muscles and myostatin levels in the visceral fat, soleus muscle, and serum of obese, aged male rats.

This experimental study involved 40 male Wistar rats (mean age: 15 months, weight: 320–350 grams). Ten rats were designated as the control group, while the remaining 30 underwent a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to induce obesity. Obese rats, with a Lee Index greater than 310, were divided into three groups: obese control, HIIT, and resistance training. The training regimen lasted eight weeks with three weekly sessions. The resistance training group performed exercises with weights corresponding to 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of body weight on a ladder. The HIIT group performed treadmill intervals at 85% (high intensity) and 50% (low intensity) of maximum speed in 2-minute intervals. Forty-eight hours after the final training session, tissue samples from the soleus muscle, serum, and visceral fat were collected.

Significant differences in myostatin protein levels in the soleus muscle, visceral fat, and serum were observed between the control and exercise groups (P<0.05). Post-hoc analysis revealed that myostatin levels in the obese control group were significantly higher than those in the exercise and non-obese control groups across all measured tissues (P<0.05). While myostatin levels were lower in the resistance training group compared to the HIIT group, this difference was not statistically significant. Both training modalities reduced myostatin levels relative to the obese control group, although the reduction was not sufficient to bring levels closer to those of the non-obese control group.

Both resistance training and high-intensity interval training, through distinct mechanical and metabolic stressors, significantly reduced myostatin expression in various tissues. These findings suggest that physical exercise, regardless of modality, represents an effective approach to mitigate the rate of muscle atrophy associated with aging and sarcopenic obesity.

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and Secreted Frizzled-related Protein 5 (SFRP5) are respectively inflammatory and anti-inflammatory proteins in adipose tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of obesity and subsequent exercise on the expression of these inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes in the adipose tissue of male rats.

In this study, 30 male Wistar rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for eight weeks, while six others were fed a normal diet (ND). After this period, six obese rats and six normal diet rats were sacrificed for comparison. Then, 24 obese rats were randomly assigned into four groups (n=6 per group): obese control (OC), resistance training (RT), endurance training (ET), and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). The rats underwent 8 weeks of exercise training, 5 sessions per week. Gene expression of IL-1β and SFRP5 was measured using Real-Time PCR.

IL-1β gene expression significantly decreased in the RT, ET, and HIIT groups compared to the obese control group (P<0.001). Additionally, IL-1β expression was significantly higher in the adipose tissue of rats fed the high-fat diet compared to those on a normal diet (P<0.001). Furthermore, SFRP5 gene expression was significantly higher in the RT, ET, and HIIT groups compared to the obese control group (P<0.001), while it significantly decreased in the high-fat diet group compared to the normal diet group (P<0.001). No significant difference was observed between the exercise groups (P>0.05).

The findings suggest that HIIT, endurance, and resistance training significantly reduce the expression of the pro-inflammatory gene IL-1β and increase the expression of the anti-inflammatory gene SFRP5 in adipose tissue. These exercise modalities may thus offer an effective strategy to mitigate obesity-related disorders.

Cell adhesion molecules (ICAM-1) and vascular adhesion molecules (VCAM-1) play critical roles in endothelial function and cardiovascular diseases. Given the increasing use of resistance training among middle-aged and elderly individuals, it is essential to examine the effects of this type of exercise on the serum levels of these molecules. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 12 weeks of resistance training on serum levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in middle-aged and elderly men with hypertension.

This quasi-experimental study involved 24 elderly men with hypertension who met the inclusion criteria. Participants were randomly assigned to either the resistance training group (12 participants) or the control group (12 participants). The resistance training group performed resistance exercises three times a week for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the study to measure serum levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1.

After 12 weeks of resistance training, serum levels of ICAM-1 (P=0.003) and VCAM-1 (P=0.005) significantly decreased. Additionally, inter-group comparisons showed significant differences in mean changes for both ICAM-1 (P=0.001) and VCAM-1 (P=0.001).

Long-term resistance training appears to be effective not only in improving systolic and diastolic blood pressure but also in reducing serum levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in middle-aged and elderly men with hypertension. Therefore, regular resistance training may serve as a potential non-pharmacological approach for reducing blood pressure and improving endothelial function in this population.

Aging is characterized by gradual decrease in volume and mass of muscle skeletal, resulting in impaired physical and physiological function. Exercise is the most effective way to the improvement of muscle function and is one of the stimulants of changing homeostasis in skeletal muscle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of resistance training on Rheb and mTOR proteins of Extensor digitorum longus muscle in elderly rats.

In this experimental study, 16 elderly male Sprague Dawley rats (20 months old and mean weight 300-450 gr) were placed in two groups: control (n=8 rats) and resistance training (n=8 rats). Resistance training consisted of 8 weeks and 3 weekly sessions of climbing a one-meter vertical ladder with 26 steps and two cm of space between each step with slope 85 degrees. Each session included three shifts with five repetitions, with one minute rest between each repetition and two minutes rest between each set. In the first week, the amount of weights attached to the rats was 50 percent of their body weight, which gradually increased by 10 percent each week and reached 100 percent of their body weight in the eighth week. The rats were anesthetized 48 hours after the last training session. The content of Rheb and mTOR proteins in the extensor digitorum longus muscle was measured by Western blotting.

The results showed that eight weeks of resistance training caused significant increase in the mean proteins content of Rheb (P=0.001) and mTOR (P=0.013) in the EDL muscle of elderly rats compared to the control group (1.00).

According to the results of the present study, resistance training may help improve the factors involved in the synthesis of protein in skeletal muscle during aging.

Alzheimer's disease represents the most prevalent form of dementia, characterized by a gradual decline in memory function. This study aimed to examine the impact of 12 weeks of resistance training combined with sumac supplementation on various inflammatory and apoptotic markers in the serum of male rats exhibiting Alzheimer's disease.

In this experimental study, 35 rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's + sumac supplement, Alzheimer's + resistance training, and Alzheimer's + resistance training + sumac supplement. To induce Alzheimer's, 8 mg/kg of trimethyltin chloride was administered to the rats along with 200μl of normal saline. Sumac was added to the food of the subjects at a rate of 10% and was freely available to them. Resistance training was performed for 12 weeks, five times a week, in the form of climbing a ladder with weights attached to their tails, one meter long, with 26 steps and an angle of 85 degrees. Then, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were taken. IL-18 and Cas3 were examined using the ELISA method. IL-18 and Cas3 were examined using ELISA. The data results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test at a significance level (p<0.0001) using SPSS software version 16.

The findings indicated that a period of resistance training along with sumac supplementation significantly reduced the levels of interleukin 18 and caspase 3 (p<0.0001). However, sumac supplementation alone, as well as resistance training alone, significantly reduced the expression of caspase 3 protein (p<0.0001), but had no significant effect on the levels of interleukin 18 (p<0.05).

Our findings showed that resistance training combined with sumac supplementation can improve the levels of inflammatory and apoptotic indices.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. It is classified into five types (from type 0 to 4) based on the age of onset of symptoms and maximum motor function. This autosomal recessive mutation results in progressive weakness and atrophy of the proximal muscles. Due to the high cost of treatment, the critical timing of intervention, and the varied responses of patients, many individuals do not sufficiently benefit from current therapeutic methods. This study evaluates the impact of resistance training on the quality of life and fatigue in patients with SMA type III, considering the potential benefits of such training.

The present study was developmental and semi-experimental. Fourteen ambulatory patients with SMA type III were randomly assigned to exercise and control groups. The exercise group engaged in lower limb resistance training at an intensity of 6 to 8 on an adult resistance exercise scale for 10 weeks (25 sessions). During this period, the control group maintained their usual daily activities. Patients in the exercise group did not engage in any exercise activity other than the protocol of the present study. Patients' quality of life was measured with the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire, and fatigue severity was measured with the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), both evaluated pre- and post-intervention. The assessments and exercises were conducted in the occupational therapy department of Shariati Hospital, Tehran, from July 2023 to September 2023.

Analysis of the results showed significant improvements (P<0.05) in the exercise group compared to the control group in the subscales of physical functioning and fatigue within the quality of life assessment. Additionally, notable differences were found between the groups on the fatigue intensity scale. However, No significant difference was observed in the patients' Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements.

Progressive resistance training of the lower limbs enhances the quality of life and reduces fatigue in patients with SMA type III.

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of resistance, swimming, and combined training patterns on L5 vertebral mineral density in osteoporotic rats.

In this experimental study, 36 female Wistar rats, each weighing between 170-190 grams, were selected as samples. To verify the induction of osteoporosis, 12 rats were randomly divided into two groups: healthy and alcohol-injected (6 rats). Osteoporosis induction was induced through intraperitoneal injection of a saline solution combined with ethanol over a period of 3 weeks. 24 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (6 rats): 1. Resistance training, 2. Swimming training, 3. Combined training, and 4. Control. Swimming training (90 minutes per day, 5 days in 12 weeks) and resistance protocol (5 days in 12 weeks, each session 8 sets with 8-12 repetitions of climbing the ladder) and the combined group performed resistance training in 4 sets with 8-12 repetitions of climbing the ladder and swimming training with half the duration of the swimming group. After 12 weeks, samples were collected from the spine and the density of L5 was evaluated using a DEXA machine. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey's test with a significance threshold of less than 0.05 in SPSS-16 (P<0.05).

In the intragroup comparison, resistance training and combined training significantly increased L5 density (P=0.00). In the intergroup comparison, L5 density of the combined group showed a significant increase compared to the training and control groups (P=0.00). The resistance group showed a significant increase in this variable compared to the swimming and control groups (P=0.00).

Using combined exercise as a therapeutic approach can increase bone density; therefore, it serves as an effective strategy for improving osteoporosis.

Cognitive performance is influenced by health-related factors such as physical fitness and nutrition, as well as cognitive exercises such as brain games. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of twelve weeks of resistance training and creatine hydrochloride supplementation on blood oxygen levels and fatigue in cognitive activities of middle-aged men.

In the present quasi-experimental study, 36 middle-aged men were randomly divided into three groups: resistance training + supplement (n = 12), resistance training + placebo (n = 12), and control group (n = 12). Resistance training was completed for 12 weeks with a frequency of four sessions per week and an intensity of 70 to 85% of one repetition maximum. Also, in the supplement group, creatine hydrochloride was consumed at a rate of three grams per day. Fatigue and arterial oxygen were measured in two stages: pre-test and post-test, before and after the Mafia game.

A significant decrease in fatigue was observed in the resistance training + supplement groups (P < 0.001) and resistance training + placebo (P < 0.001) compared to the control group. The results of blood oxygen levels between the groups in the first and second stages did not show a significant difference (P > 0.05).

A period of resistance training significantly improved fatigue without affecting arterial oxygen levels, but supplementation had no significant effect on fatigue and arterial oxygen.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women, the main factors of which are insulin resistance and obesity. This study aimed to determine the effect of resistance training on glycemic indices and lipid profile in women with PCOS.

A systematic search of English and Farsi articles published in PubMed, Web of Science, Civilica, Scopus, Sid, and Magiran databases was conducted until April 2024. The present meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of resistance training on glycemic indices and lipid profile in PCOS. A random effect model calculated the mean difference and 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 test, and publication bias was evaluated by visual analysis of the funnel plot and Egger's test.

The results of 8 studies with 159 subjects showed that resistance training caused a significant change in glucose [WMD=-1.398 mg/dl (1.720 to -4.516), P=0.379], Insulin [WMD=-1.245 mg/dl (2.570 to -0.079), P=0.065], HOMA-IR [WMD=-0.134 mg/dl (0.296 to 0.565), P=0.542], LDL [WMD=-0.476 mg/dl (0.426 to -1.377), P=0.301], HDL [WMD=-0.235 mg/dl (0.215 to -0.685), P=0.306] and TG [WMD=-0.588 mg/dl (0.457 to -1.632), P=0.270] Compared to the control group, women were not diagnosed with PCOS.

Lifestyle modification and training is a preferred treatment strategy in women with PCOS. However, collecting the results of limited resistance training studies did not positively affect the desired biochemical indicators.

Osteoporosis is a disease that is spreading as a threat to world health. This study aimed to compare the effect of resistance training, swimming, and combination training patterns on the on mechanical strength of osteoporotic bone tissue of female Wistar rats.

The current type of research was experimental and 36 healthy female Wistar rats (6 weeks old) with an average initial weight of 170-190 grams were studied. In order to confirm the induction of osteoporosis in the initial study, 12 were randomly divided into two groups: healthy and alcohol injection. In the main study, the remaining 24 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (6 rats in each group) after induction of osteoporosis (resistance exercise, swimming exercise, combined exercise and control). Osteoporosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 20% ethanol solution and saline at a dose of 3 grams per kilogram of rat body weight, once a day and 4 days a week. Swimming training protocol (12 weeks, 90 minutes per day, 5 days per week) and resistance protocol (12 weeks, 5 days per week and each session including 8 sets with 8 to 12 repetitions of climbing the ladder) were performed. The combined group performed resistance training with progressive overload in 4 sets with 8 to 12 repetitions and swimming training with half the time of the swimming group. After the end of 12 weeks, femur bone samples were taken for densitometry and L5 vertebra and tibia bone to study mechanical resistance indicators. To assess bone strength, a mechanical properties testing machine, the Zwick model, made in Germany, was used. Data were analyzed using SPSS-25 using independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's at a significance level of less than 0.05 (P<0.05).

The tibia tensile maximum load in swimming, resistance and concurrent training groups was significantly greater than pretest (p=0.000, p=0.004, p=0.03). The L5 maximum load  of resistance and concurrent training groups was significantly greater than pretest (p=0.009 , p=0.001).  the tibia tensile maximum load in concurrent groups was significantly greater than swimming, resistance and control groups (p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.004 ). The L5 maximum load in concurrent training (p=0.02 , p=0.03) and  resistance group  (p=0.003 , p=0.002) was significantly greater than swimming  and control groups.

It seems that the intervention of swimming and resistance training in a combined model may have a synergistic effect on increasing the mechanical strength of bone in osteoporotic female rats. This model is likely to increase the mechanical strength of bone better than the implementation of swimming or resistance training alone and provide more optimal care against osteoporosis.

This study aimed to compare the effect of a period of progressive resistance training and electrical muscle stimulation on morphological indicators, heart function, and body composition of inactive Females.

The current semi-experimental research was performed on 30 healthy female volunteers within an age range of 30-40 years who were selected by random sampling and randomly divided into three groups, namely resistance training (n=10), electrical stimulation (n=10), and control (n=10). The training protocol consisted of 8 weeks of training and 3 sessions per week. Resistance training was performed incrementally with an intensity of 65-80% with maximum repetition. Moreover, electrical stimulation was conducted with a frequency of 30-80Hz in the first to eighth week. Statistical analysis was performed using a covariance test with Bonferroni's post hoc test at a significance level of 0.05 in SPSS software (version 22).

Results of the present study showed that weight (P=0.041), body mass index (P=0.002), and fat mass (P<0.001) were significantly different among the three research groups. However, there was no significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of muscle mass (P=0.425). Results of the intergroup analysis showed that body weight (P=0.032), fat percentage (P=0.001), and body mass index (P=0.001) were lower in resistance training groups, compared to the control group. Weight (P=0.021), fat percentage (P=0.001), and body mass index (P=0.003) in the electrical muscle stimulation training group were significantly lower than those in the control group. In addition, the obtained results showed no significant difference among resistance training, electrical muscle stimulation, and control groups in terms of heart function, heart structure, and electrocardiogram (P<0.05).

The results obtained from the present study showed that performing resistance training and electrical muscle stimulation improves anthropometric indicators.

Aging is a natural phenomenon accompanied by reduced physical activity and the onset of sarcopenia. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the effect of resistance-endurance training on the expression of IGF-1, Akt, and p70s6k pathway genes in the gastrocnemius muscle of aged rats. In this experimental study, 14 male Wistar rats aged 22 to 24 months were randomly divided into control and resistance-endurance training groups. The training program was conducted for 10 weeks, with three sessions per week. Gene expression levels of IGF-1, Akt, and p70s6k pathway in skeletal muscle were measured using quantitative real-time PCR, and the data were analyzed using an independent t-test. The results showed that, compared to the control group, the resistance-endurance training group exhibited a significant increase in the expression of the IGF-1 gene (P=0.003), Akt (P=0.019), and p70s6k (P=0.004) genes after 10 weeks of training. The findings suggested that resistance-endurance training probably increased the expression of IGF-1, Akt, and p70s6k pathway genes in aged rats. The activation of the Akt /p70s6k signaling pathway was partially induced by autocrine/paracrine response mediated by IGF-1, ultimately leading to muscle hypertrophy. These effects might also apply to humans. Therefore, further research on human samples is recommended.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 8 weeks of resistance training combined with Tribulus terrestris extract on oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokine markers in the heart tissue of male Wistar rats exposed to stanozolol.

In this experimental study, 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 8 weeks, were randomly divided into 8 groups of 6 (1. Control, 2. Sham, 3. Stanozolol, 4. Stanozolol + Tribulus 50 mg/kg, 5. Stanozolol + Tribulus 100 mg/kg, 6. Resistance training, 7. Stanozolol + Tribulus 100 mg/kg + Resistance training, 8. Stanozolol + Tribulus 50 mg/kg + Resistance training). For 8 weeks, groups 3 to 8 received 5 mg/kg stanozolol daily via intraperitoneal injection. Groups 6 to 8 performed resistance training three times a week, and groups 4, 5, 7, and 8 received the specified doses of Tribulus terrestris daily via intraperitoneal injection. The expression levels of genes of Interleukin-10 (IL-10), Malondialdehyde (MDA), and Advanced Oxidation Protein Products (AOPP) were measured using Real-Time PCR.

Stanozolol significantly increased AOPP and MDA expression and decreased IL-10 expression in the heart tissue of rats (P<0.05). However, stanozolol combined with training significantly increased IL-10 and decreased AOPP and MDA (P<0.05). Additionally, stanozolol combined with training and Tribulus 50 and 100 mg/kg significantly increased IL-10 and decreased MDA and AOPP (P<0.05). In the group of stanozolol combined with training and Tribulus 100 mg/kg, IL-10 levels were higher and MDA levels were lower compared to the groups of stanozolol combined with training and stanozolol combined with training and Tribulus 50 mg/kg, but there was no significant difference in AOPP.

Resistance training and Tribulus terrestris extract appear to be mitigating factors for oxidative stress and inflammation in the heart tissue of rats, and the dose of 100 mg/kg had a greater effect on improving oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory markers in the heart tissue.

Obesity and overweight are recognized as major risk factors for many diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of eight weeks of resistance training on the expression of apelin and uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) genes in the visceral adipose tissue of obese male Wistar rats.

In this experimental study, 20 obese male Wistar rats (8 months old, mean weight 350 ± 50.24 g, and height 23 ± 0.9 cm) were randomly divided into two groups: resistance training and control. The training group performed resistance exercises for 8 weeks, 5 sessions per week, each session for about 50-60 minutes, with progressive intensity. The resistance training protocol consisted of climbing a one-meter ladder with 36 steps and an 85-degree slope. Each training session consisted of three sets of five repetitions, with a one-minute rest between each repetition and a two-minute rest between each set. During this period, the control group only stood on the ladder without performing any activity. The expression of apelin and UCP1 genes in visceral adipose tissue was measured using real-time PCR.

The results showed that eight weeks of resistance training significantly decreased the expression of the apelin gene and significantly increased the expression of the UCP1 gene in the visceral adipose tissue of obese rats (P<0.0001).

Resistance training, by reducing the expression of the apelin gene and increasing the expression of the UCP1 gene, likely induces cellular changes that contribute to reducing fat mass and increasing thermogenesis in visceral adipose tissue.

Eccentric quasi-isometric training (EQI) is a new method of resistance training. This study is the first to analyze the long-term impact of EQI training on steroid hormones in inactive men compared to traditional resistance training.

36 young inactive men were selected voluntarily and randomly divided into three groups: EQI training, traditional resistance training, and control. The conventional and EQI resistance training groups performed the exercise program with an intensity of 60-85% of one repetition maximum for six weeks and three sessions per week. Blood sampling was done in a fasting state 48 hours before the first session and 48 hours after the last session. Steroid hormones were measured using the ELISA method. Two-way mixed ANOVA and LSD post hoc tests were used for data analysis.

The time x group interaction results indicated that the sex hormone-binding globulin (P = 0.002), dehydroepiandrosterone (P = 0.003), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (P = 0.002) levels had a significant difference. Between-group results showed that EQI and traditional resistance training groups increased steroid hormones compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Both training groups had a significant increase in steroid hormones compared to the pre-test (P ≤ 0.05).

The present study findings demonstrated that both EQI and traditional resistance training can improve steroid hormones, but there was no difference between the two types of resistance training. Therefore, according to the principle of training diversity, EQI training can be a suitable alternative to traditional resistance training.

Reducing physical activity as well as consuming more calories than the body needs increases obesity and its related disorders, such as metabolic syndrome. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of eight weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and resistance training (RT) on brain tissue gene expression of AKT2 and insulin resistance in obese Wistar rats.

30 male rats weighing 160 to 185 grams were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. After the approval of the obesity protocol of increasing the weight of the rats, which to be more than 300 grams, the rats were divided into three groups, including the control group (n = 10), HIIT group (n = 10), as well as RT group (n = 10). Until the end, the rats continued to eat a high-fat diet. HIIT was performed for eight weeks and five sessions per week, with an intensity of 80 to 95% of maximum oxygen consumption on a treadmill. Moreover, RT was performed with an intensity of 40-60% of a maximum repetition on the ladder. After eight weeks of training interventions, the expression level of the AKT2 gene in brain tissue was measured by the real-time PCR method.

The results of the present study demonstrated a significant increase in AKT2 gene expression of HIIT and RT groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the results illustrated that the insulin resistance of rats in both training groups was significantly reduced (P < 0.05).

According to the findings of the present research, it could be concluded that HIIT, as well as RT interventions, probably causes an increase in AKT2 gene expression and could be effective in reducing insulin resistance and improving glucose profile.