Effect of resistance training and dark chocolate supplement on plasma myogenin level in elderly

Exercise training and nutrition are non-pharmacological strategies which can reduce the sarcopenia-induced muscle atrophy in the older adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks resistance training and dark chocolate supplement on elderly blood myogenin.

For this purpose, 36 elderly (65-85 years old, equally men and women) were selected at nursing homes center of Qazvin province. After obtaining permits, screening and filling the random satisfaction form were divided into four groups: resistance training (n=10), supplement (n=10), combination (n=10) and control (n= 6). The training group and the combined group performed the chosen protocol for eight week, 60 minutes each day. The supplement and combination group daily took one 500 mg/day tablet of dark chocolate supplement. The control group did not have any exercise and supplements in this period. 48 hours before and after the study period, 6 cc blood samples were taken from the venous vein of the subjects to determine the plasma myogenin level and ANOVA and T-test were used to analyze the data
(P>0.05).

The results of this study showed that the level of myogenin doesn’t have significantly increase in all three groups (P>0.05). However, the maximum strength of leg and chest press in the training (P=0.03) and combined (P=0.01) groups compared to control group significantly increased.

Resistance training and dark chocolate supplement despite the significant increase in maximum muscle strength of the chest and legs, doesn’t have significant positive effect on the increased myogenin regulation.