Effect of resistance training on bone mineral density and serum levels of myostatin in young men

Muscle mass is known to be a significant predictor of bone mineral density (BMD), and myostatin is a negative regulator of muscle growth. The aim of present study was investigate the effects of resistance training on bone mineral density and serum myostatin in healthy young men. Methods and Materials: In this clinical trial thirty young men were assigned to resistance training (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The training group participated in 6 mounths of progressive whole-body resistance training. Total body fat, lean body mass, total body BMD, femoral neck BMD and L2-L4 spine BMD were determined by Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) before and after 6 mounths of resistance training. Serum level myostatin measured by enzyme immnoassay. Resistance training caused significant increases in chest press (52.36±6.36 vs 62.20±8.96 kg), leg press (135.24±13.77 vs 146.91±17.66 kg), lean body mass (61.00±0.96 vs 62.58±2.08 kg) and femoral neck BMD (1.115±0.078 vs 1.131±0.088 g/cm2), whereas myostatin were decreased (102.91±10.18 vs 94.03±13.93 ng/ml) (P<0.05). Total body BMD and L2-L4 spine BMD did not change with 6 months resistance training. A 6 month resistance training program increases muscle mass, power and improves BMD of the femoral neck in young men, and myostatin inhibition may play an important role in increasing BMD which is induced by resistance training.