Effects of maximal and sub-maximal resistance exercise on muscle damage, inflammation, intrinsic antioxidant in non-athlete men

The intensity of the strength training at the start for preventing muscle damage, inflammation and intrinsic antioxidant is not well defined. Intrestingly, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of maximal and sub-maximal resistance exercise on muscle damage, inflammation and intrinsic antioxidant in non-athlete men.

Nineteen young untrained men [(age (years):20.16 ± 1.21 years, height (cm):178.21 ± 1.75, weight(kg): 65.74 ± 1.37] completed 3sets,15 repetitions, resistance exercise with two maximal and submaximal intensities with 3 minutes' intervals. Blood samples were obtained at pre-exercise, immediately, 2h, 24h, 48h and 72h after exercise. Correspondingly, blood samples were analyzed for creatin kinase (CK), total leucocytes and uric acid (UA).

CK increased significantly 48h and 72h after both resistance training intensities compared to base values. The increase of this enzyme was significantly higher 72h after maximal intensity resistance training compared to submaximal intensity. Considerably, leuckocyte increased significantly 24h, 48h and 72h after both resistance training intensitis compared to base values, but it was significantly decreased 2h after both intensity resistance training compared to before and immediately after exercise. Uric acid increased significantly 2h, 24h and 72h after high resistance training intensity and 2h, 48h and 72h after submaximal resistance training intensity compared to base values. Whereas it was significantly decreased 48h after maximal intensity compare to submaximal intensity (P<0.05).

It is recommended that untrained individuals and trainer start resistance training with submaximal intensity for preventing muscular damage and maintaining health.