The effect of eight weeks of resistance training on serum levels of klotho, myostatin and muscle function in middle-aged women

Aging is an inevitable process of life that occurs with a decrease in muscle function. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of eight weeks of resistance training on serum levels of klotho, myostatin, and muscle function in middle-aged women.

A total of 20 middle-aged women with a mean age of 42±2 were randomly assigned to experimental or control groups. Subjects practiced three sessions per week for 8 weeks., Blood samples of 5 cc were taken from the subjects 48 hours before the first session and after the last training session respectively. After centrifugation and separation of serum, the concentrations of klotho and myostatin were measured using an ELISA kit. Muscle performance was also measured by measuring muscle strength, muscle endurance, and the explosive power of the legs.

The results showed that eight weeks of resistance training significantly increased serum klotho levels (p≤0.05) and decreased serum myostatin levels (p≤0.05). Resistance training was also able to increase muscle function in this sample. The difference between the training group and the control group was significant for BMI (Body mass index), fat percentage, and muscle percentage(p≤0.05), but not significant for WHR(waist to hip ratio)factor (p>0.05). The results of Pearson correlation test between klotho and muscle strength, muscle endurance and explosive power were also significant (p≤0.05).

 Based on the results, resistance training can possibly play a role in improving the physical condition and muscle function of middle-aged women by balancing positive muscle growth regulators such as klotho and negative ones such as myostatin.