The effect of high intensity interval training on muscle tissue content of myostatin and follistatin proteins in elderly rats

Myostatin and follistatin proteins are key proteins in the regulation of muscle tissue. Sarcopenia can lead to disruption of cellular mechanisms and the activity of these proteins. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on muscle tissue content of myostatin and follistatin proteins in elderly rats.

In this experimental study, twelve female 20-month-old Sprague Dawley rats with an average weight of 250±30 g were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups: HIIT (n=6) and control (n=6). The HIIT program was performed 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The training protocol was 85-90% VO2max for high intensity intervals and 45-50% VO2max for low intensity intervals. Proteins content was measured by Western blotting laboratory method. Independent samples t-test was used to analyze the data.

After eight weeks of HIIT, there was no significant change in myostatin protein content in the training and control groups (P=0.49). In contrast, follistatin protein content (P=0.01) showed a significant difference (Increase).

Considering that eight weeks of HIIT could not significantly change the protein content of myostatin, but it increased the protein content of follistatin which could lead to muscle hypertrophy in elderly rats. However, HIIT as an exercise intervention for the elderly is still unknown and a lot of research on the types, duration, intensity, repetition and recovery time of HIIT is required.