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Alexander SE, Pollock AC, Lamon S. The effect of sex hormones on skeletal muscle adaptation in females. Eur J Sport Sci 2021; 22:1035-1045. [PMID: 33890831 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2021.1921854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroids, commonly referred to as sex hormones, are integral to the development and maintenance of the human reproductive system. In addition, male (androgens) and female (estrogens and progestogens) sex hormones promote the development of secondary sex characteristics by targeting a range of other tissues, including skeletal muscle. The role of androgens on skeletal muscle mass, function and metabolism has been well described in males, yet female specific studies are scarce in the literature. This narrative review summarises the available evidence around the mechanistic role of androgens, estrogens and progestogens in female skeletal muscle. An analysis of the literature indicates that sex steroids play important roles in the regulation of female skeletal muscle mass and function. The free fractions of testosterone and progesterone in serum were consistently associated with the regulation of muscle mass, while estrogens may be primarily involved in mediating the muscle contractile function in conjunction with other sex hormones. Muscle strength was however not directly associated with any hormone in isolation when at physiological concentrations. Importantly, recent evidence suggests that intramuscular sex hormone concentrations may be more strongly associated with muscle size and function than circulating forms, providing interesting opportunities for future research. By combining cross-sectional, interventional and mechanical studies, this review aims to provide a broad, multidisciplinary picture of the current knowledge of the effects of sex steroids on skeletal muscle in females, with a focus on the regulation of muscle size and function and an insight into their clinical implications. HighlightsFree testosterone, but not total testosterone, is associated with lean mass but not strength in pre- and post-menopausal females.Progesterone and estrogens may regulate muscle mass and strength, respectively, in females.Intra-muscular steroids may be more closely associated to muscle mass and strength, compared to systemic fractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Alexander
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | | | - Séverine Lamon
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Ihalainen JK, Inglis A, Mäkinen T, Newton RU, Kainulainen H, Kyröläinen H, Walker S. Strength Training Improves Metabolic Health Markers in Older Individual Regardless of Training Frequency. Front Physiol 2019; 10:32. [PMID: 30774600 PMCID: PMC6367240 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of frequency, thereby increasing training volume, of resistance training on body composition, inflammation markers, lipid and glycemic profile in healthy older individuals (age range 65–75 year). Ninety-two healthy participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups; performing strength training one- (EX1), two- (EX2), or three- (EX3) times-per-week and a non-training control (CON) group. Whole-body strength training was performed using 2–5 sets and 4–12 repetitions per exercise and 7–9 exercises per session. All training groups attended supervised resistance training for 6 months. Body composition was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry and fasting blood samples were taken pre- and post-training. There were significant main effects of time for total fat mass (F = 28.12, P < 0.001) and abdominal fat mass (F = 20.72, P < 0.001). Pre- to post-study, statistically significant reductions in fat mass (Δ = -1.3 ± 1.4 kg, P < 0.001, n = 26) were observed in EX3. Pre- to post-study reductions in low density lipoprotein (LDL) concentration (Δ = -0.38 ± 0.44 mmol⋅L-1, P = 0.003, n = 19) were observed only in EX3, whereas a significant pre- to post-study increases in high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration (0.14–0.19 mmol⋅L-1) were observed in all training groups. Most variables at baseline demonstrated a significant (negative) relationship when correlating baseline values with their change during the study including: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) (r = -0.583, P < 0.001), high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (r = -0.471, P < 0.001, and systolic blood pressure (r = -0.402, P = 0.003). The present study suggests that having more than two resistance training sessions in a week could be of benefit in the management of body composition and lipid profile. Nevertheless, interestingly, and importantly, those individuals with a higher baseline in systolic blood pressure, IL-6 and hs-CRP derived greatest benefit from the resistance training intervention, regardless of how many times-a-week they trained. Finally, the present study found no evidence that higher training frequency would induce greater benefit regarding inflammation markers or glycemic profile in healthy older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna K Ihalainen
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.,Department of Health Sciences, Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Alistair Inglis
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Tuomas Mäkinen
- LIKES-Research Centre for Sport and Health Sciences, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Robert U Newton
- Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Heikki Kainulainen
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Heikki Kyröläinen
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Simon Walker
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Krčmárová B, Krčmár M, Schwarzová M, Chlebo P, Chlebová Z, Židek R, Kolesárová A, Zbyňovská K, Kováčiková E, Walker S. The effects of 12-week progressive strength training on strength, functional capacity, metabolic biomarkers, and serum hormone concentrations in healthy older women: morning versus evening training. Chronobiol Int 2018; 35:1490-1502. [PMID: 29985671 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2018.1493490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Previous findings suggest that performing strength training (ST) in the evening may provide greater benefit for young individuals. However, this may not be optimal for the older population. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a 12-week ST program performed in the morning vs. evening on strength, functional capacity, metabolic biomarker and basal hormone concentrations in older women. Thirty-one healthy older women (66 ± 4 years, 162 ± 4 cm, 75 ± 13 kg) completed the study. Participants trained in the morning (M) (07:30, n = 10), in the evening (E) (18:00, n = 10), or acted as a non-training control group (C) (n = 11). Both intervention groups performed whole-body strength training with 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions with 2-3 minutes rest between sets. All groups were measured before and after the 12-week period with; dynamic leg press and seated-row 6-repetition maximum (6-RM) and functional capacity tests (30-second chair stands and arm curl test, Timed Up and Go), as well as whole-body skeletal muscle mass (SMM) (kg) and fat mass (FM-kg, FM%) assessed by bioelectrical impedance (BIA). Basal blood samples (in the intervention groups only) taken before and after the intervention assessed low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), blood glucose (GLU), triglycerides (TG), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentrations and total antioxidant status (TAS) after a 12 h fast. Hormone analysis included prolactin (PRL), progesterone (P) estradiol (ESTR), testosterone (T), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). While C showed no changes in any variable, both M and E significantly improved leg press (+ 46 ± 22% and + 21 ± 12%, respectively; p < 0.001) and seated-row (+ 48 ± 21% and + 42 ± 18%, respectively; p < 0.001) 6-RM, as well as all functional capacity outcomes (p < 0.01) due to training. M were the only group to increase muscle mass (+ 3 ± 2%, p < 0.01). Both M and E group significantly (p < 0.05) decreased GLU (-4 ± 6% and -8 ± 10%, respectively), whereas significantly greater decrease was observed in the E compared to the M group (p < 0.05). Only E group significantly decreased TG (-17 ± 25%, p < 0.01), whereas M group increased (+ 15%, p < 0.01). The difference in TG between the groups favored E compared to M group (p < 0.01). These results suggest that short-term "hypertrophic" ST alone mainly improves strength and functional capacity performance, but it influences metabolic and hormonal profile of healthy older women to a lesser extent. In this group of previously untrained older women, time-of-day did not have a major effect on outcome variables, but some evidence suggests that training in the morning may be more beneficial for muscle hypertrophy (i.e. only M significantly increased muscle mass and had larger effect size (M: g = 2 vs. E: g = 0.5).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohumila Krčmárová
- a Department of Physical Education and Sports , Constantine the Philosopher University , Nitra , Slovakia
| | - Matúš Krčmár
- b Hamar Institute for Human Performance, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport , Comenius University , Bratislava , Slovakia
| | - Marianna Schwarzová
- c Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources , Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra , Nitra , Slovakia
| | - Peter Chlebo
- c Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources , Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra , Nitra , Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Chlebová
- c Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources , Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra , Nitra , Slovakia
| | - Radoslav Židek
- d Department of Food Hygiene and Safety, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources , Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra , Nitra , Slovakia
| | - Adriana Kolesárová
- e Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences , Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra , Nitra , Slovakia
| | - Katarína Zbyňovská
- e Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences , Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra , Nitra , Slovakia
| | - Eva Kováčiková
- f AgroBioTech Research Centre , Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra , Nitra , Slovakia
| | - Simon Walker
- g Biology of Physical Activity, Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences , University of Jyväskylä , Jyväskylä , Finland
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Kraemer WJ, Kennett MJ, Mastro AM, McCarter RJ, Rogers CJ, DuPont WH, Flanagan SD, Turbitt WJ, Fragala MS, Post EM, Hymer WC. Bioactive growth hormone in older men and women: It's relationship to immune markers and healthspan. Growth Horm IGF Res 2017; 34:45-54. [PMID: 28551577 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The consequences of age-related decline in the somatotropic axis of humans are complex and remain largely unresolved. We tested the hypothesis that hGH measurements of plasma by bioassay vs immunoassay from samples obtained from free-living, elderly individuals would reveal a dichotomy in GH activities that are correlated with the functional status of the donors, i.e. their healthspan. DESIGN Forty-one men and women of advanced age (men: N=16, age, 80.5±6.5years; height, 173.1±6.9cm; body mass, 81.8±13.0kg) and (women: N=25, age, 80.7±7.2years; height, 157.7±6.0cm; body mass, 68.8±17kg), were recruited for a cross-sectional study. Participants filled out PROMIS (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services) scales, undertook physical performance tests and had fasted blood samples obtained at rest for measurement of hormonal and immunology biomarkers. RESULTS When measured by the well-established rat tibial line GH bioassay, one half of the plasma samples (n=20) contained bioassayable GH (bGH), but the other half (n=21) failed to mount increases in tibial plate width above saline injected controls. This difference did not correlate with the age, sex or physical functionality of the plasma donor. It also did not correlate with hGH concentrations measured by immunoassay. In those cases in which bGH was detected, various hierarchical regression models predicted that GHRH, c-peptide, VEGF, NPY, IL-4 and T-regulatory lymphocytes were associated with the difference and predicted bGH. CONCLUSION Results from this study suggest that the actions of bGH at the cellular level may be modified by other factors and that this may explain the lack of correlations observed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Kraemer
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States.
| | - Mary J Kennett
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - Andrea M Mastro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - Roger J McCarter
- Department of Behavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - Connie J Rogers
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - William H DuPont
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Shawn D Flanagan
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, United States
| | - William J Turbitt
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | | | - Emily M Post
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Wesley C Hymer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States
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Holviala J, Häkkinen A, Alen M, Sallinen J, Kraemer W, Häkkinen K. Effects of prolonged and maintenance strength training on force production, walking, and balance in aging women and men. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2012; 24:224-33. [PMID: 22540957 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2012.01470.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
To examine effects of 21-week twice/week strength training (ST) period followed by an additional 21-week twice or once/week ST period on force production, walking and balance in aging people. Seventy-two women (58 ± 7 years; W) and 63 (58 ± 6 years) men (M) were randomized for the first 21-week ST period: STW and STM, control (C) CW and CM. Training participants were randomized for the second 21-week ST period: once/week STWx1 and STMx1, twice/week STWx2 and STMx2. LegPress, isometric leg extension rate of force development (RFD), walking time, and balance. First 21-week ST period: leg press, RFD, balance, and walking improved significantly in STW and STM. Second 21-week ST period: leg press first increased in STMx1 and STMx2, and then decreased to the level of 21 weeks in STMx2 and remained unchanged in STWx2 and decreased in STWx1 and STMx1. Walking and balance improved significantly in STWx1 and STWx2. A progressive 21-week ST period twice/week in aging people can lead to large improvements in maximal strength, walking time, and balance in both genders. A further strength training period with the same amount of training may maintain the strength gains, whereas balance and walking may be maintained with less training.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Holviala
- Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Muscle weakness in old age is associated with physical function decline. Progressive resistance strength training (PRT) exercises are designed to increase strength. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of PRT on older people and identify adverse events. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialized Register (to March 2007), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2007, Issue 2), MEDLINE (1966 to May 01, 2008), EMBASE (1980 to February 06 2007), CINAHL (1982 to July 01 2007) and two other electronic databases. We also searched reference lists of articles, reviewed conference abstracts and contacted authors. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials reporting physical outcomes of PRT for older people were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected trials, assessed trial quality and extracted data. Data were pooled where appropriate. MAIN RESULTS One hundred and twenty one trials with 6700 participants were included. In most trials, PRT was performed two to three times per week and at a high intensity. PRT resulted in a small but significant improvement in physical ability (33 trials, 2172 participants; SMD 0.14, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.22). Functional limitation measures also showed improvements: e.g. there was a modest improvement in gait speed (24 trials, 1179 participants, MD 0.08 m/s, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.12); and a moderate to large effect for getting out of a chair (11 trials, 384 participants, SMD -0.94, 95% CI -1.49 to -0.38). PRT had a large positive effect on muscle strength (73 trials, 3059 participants, SMD 0.84, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.00). Participants with osteoarthritis reported a reduction in pain following PRT(6 trials, 503 participants, SMD -0.30, 95% CI -0.48 to -0.13). There was no evidence from 10 other trials (587 participants) that PRT had an effect on bodily pain. Adverse events were poorly recorded but adverse events related to musculoskeletal complaints, such as joint pain and muscle soreness, were reported in many of the studies that prospectively defined and monitored these events. Serious adverse events were rare, and no serious events were reported to be directly related to the exercise programme. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review provides evidence that PRT is an effective intervention for improving physical functioning in older people, including improving strength and the performance of some simple and complex activities. However, some caution is needed with transferring these exercises for use with clinical populations because adverse events are not adequately reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiung‐ju Liu
- Indiana University at IndianapolisDepartment of Occupational Therapy1140 W Michigan ST CF 303IndianpolisIndianaUSA46202
| | - Nancy K Latham
- Boston UniversityHealth and Disabilty Research Institute, School of Public Health580 Harrison Avenue4th FloorBostonMAUSA02118‐2639
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Body composition, fitness, and metabolic health during strength and endurance training and their combination in middle-aged and older women. Eur J Appl Physiol 2009; 106:285-96. [PMID: 19266214 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-009-1013-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2009] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In this study adaptations in body composition, physical fitness and metabolic health were examined during 21 weeks of endurance and/or strength training in 39- to 64-year-old healthy women. Subjects (n = 62) were randomized into endurance training (E), strength training (S), combined strength and endurance training (SE), or control groups (C). S and E trained 2 and SE 2 + 2 times in a week. Muscle strength and maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max) were measured. Leg extension strength increased 9 +/- 8% in S (P < 0.001), 12 +/- 8% in SE (P < 0.001) and 3 +/- 4% in E (P = 0.036), and isometric bench press 20% only in both S and SE (P < 0.001). VO(2)max increased 23 +/- 18% in E and 16 +/- 12% in SE (both P < 0.001). The changes in the total body fat (dual X-ray absorptiometry) did not differ between groups, but significant decreases were observed in E (-5.9%, P = 0.022) and SE (-4.8%, P = 0.005). Lean mass of the legs increased 2.2-2.9% (P = 0.004-0.010) in S, SE and E. There were no differences between the groups in the changes in blood lipids, blood pressure or serum glucose and insulin. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased in E. Both S and SE showed small decreases in serum fasting insulin. Both endurance and strength training and their combination led to expected training-specific improvements in physical fitness, without interference in fitness or muscle mass development. All training methods led to increases in lean body mass, but decreases in body fat and modest improvements in metabolic risk factors were more evident with aerobic training than strength training.
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