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Wullems JA, Degens H, Morse CI, Onambélé-Pearson GL. Evaluating the effects of hormone therapy termination on skeletal muscle and physical independence in postmenopausal women. Menopause 2024; 31:546-555. [PMID: 38713886 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In women, the age-related decline in skeletal muscle structure and function is accelerated after menopause, which implicates the role of decreased circulating estrogen levels. Indeed, boosting estrogen, by means of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT), generally proves beneficial to skeletal muscle. The evidence regarding whether these benefits persist even after cessation of HT is limited, nor is it clear how physical behavior (PB) impacts on benefits. Hence, this exploratory study focused on the interplay between HT administration/cessation, PB and in vivo skeletal muscle structure and function. METHODS Fifty healthy women (≥60 y) were included; 19 had an HT administration history (≥9 mo, with now ~8-y hiatus in treatment) and 31 no such history. On seven continuous days, PB data were collected using triaxial accelerometry and analyzed using compositional data analysis. Gastrocnemius medialis muscle volume, architecture, and function were determined using ultrasonography, electromyography, dual x-ray absorptiometry, and dynamometry. Current serum estradiol levels were measured using ELISA. RESULTS Only fascicle length and duration of HT administration were positively associated. With respect to PB levels, we found a pattern suggesting greater vitality (higher physical activity and lower sedentarism) in previous HT users, compared with nonusers, despite the two groups currently no longer exhibiting significantly different levels of circulating estradiol. CONCLUSIONS After an 8-year hiatus in treatment, HT provides limited advantages in gastrocnemius medialis muscle properties. Interestingly, it perhaps enhances vitality despite prolonged cessation, which in the longer term would facilitate greater physical independence, especially considering the association of sedentary behavior with greater frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorgen Antonin Wullems
- From the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Institute of Sport, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Christopher Ian Morse
- From the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Institute of Sport, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Gladys Leopoldine Onambélé-Pearson
- From the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Institute of Sport, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
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Alvar B, O'Bryan SJ, Harris DM. Considerations for assessing sex differences in performance fatiguability. J Physiol 2024; 602:1889-1891. [PMID: 38606983 DOI: 10.1113/jp285951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Alvar
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven J O'Bryan
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Victoria, Australia
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Dale M Harris
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Victoria, Australia
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Traylor MK, Batman GB, Sears KN, Ransom KV, Hammer SM, Keller JL. Sex-specific microvascular and hemodynamic responses to passive limb heating in young adults. Microcirculation 2024; 31:e12848. [PMID: 38281244 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined sex-specific microvascular reactivity and hemodynamic responses under conditions of augmented resting blood flow induced by passive heating compared to normal blood flow. METHODS Thirty-eight adults (19 females) completed a vascular occlusion test (VOT) on two occasions preceded by rest with or without passive heating in a randomized, counterbalanced order. Skeletal muscle tissue oxygenation (StO2, %) was assessed with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and the rate of desaturation and resaturation as well as maximal StO2 (StO2max) and prolonged hypersaturation (area under the curve, StO2AUC) were quantified. Before the VOT, brachial artery blood flow (BABF), vascular conductance, and relative BABF (BABF normalized to forearm lean mass) were determined. Sex × condition ANOVAs were used. A p-value ≤.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Twenty minutes of heating increased BABF compared to the control (102.9 ± 28.3 vs. 36.0 ± 20.9 mL min-1; p < .01). Males demonstrated greater BABF than females (91.9 ± 34.0 vs. 47.0 ± 19.1 mL min-1; p < .01). There was no sex difference in normalized BABF. There were no significant interactions for NIRS-VOT outcomes, but heat did increase the rate of desaturation (-0.140 ± 0.02 vs. -0.119 ± 0.03% s-1; p < .01), whereas regardless of condition, males exhibited greater rates of resaturation and StO2max than females. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that blood flow is not the primary factor causing sex differences in NIRS-VOT outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda K Traylor
- Integrative Laboratory of Exercise and Applied Physiology (iLEAP), Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport, College of Education and Professional Studies, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA
| | - Genevieve B Batman
- Integrative Laboratory of Exercise and Applied Physiology (iLEAP), Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport, College of Education and Professional Studies, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA
| | - Kylie N Sears
- School of Kinesiology, Applied Health and Recreation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Kyndall V Ransom
- Integrative Laboratory of Exercise and Applied Physiology (iLEAP), Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport, College of Education and Professional Studies, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA
- Chemistry Department, College of Arts and Science, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA
| | - Shane M Hammer
- School of Kinesiology, Applied Health and Recreation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Joshua L Keller
- Integrative Laboratory of Exercise and Applied Physiology (iLEAP), Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport, College of Education and Professional Studies, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA
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Thompson SL, Brade CJ, Henley-Martin SR, Naylor LH, Spence AL. Vascular adaptation to exercise: a systematic review and audit of female representation. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H971-H985. [PMID: 38391316 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00788.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Biological sex is a salient factor in exercise-induced vascular adaptation. Although a male bias is apparent in the literature, the methodological quality of available studies in females is not yet known. This systematic review with narrative synthesis aimed to assess available evidence of exercise interventions on endothelial function, measured using flow-mediated dilation, in otherwise healthy individuals and athletes. A standardized audit framework was applied to quantify the representation of female participants. Using a tiered grading system, studies that met best-practice recommendations for conducting physiological research in females were identified. A total of 210 studies in 5,997 participants were included, with 18% classified as athletes. The primary exercise mode and duration were aerobic (49%) and acute (61%), respectively. Despite 53% of studies (n = 111) including at least one female, female participants accounted for only 39% of the total study population but 49% of the athlete population. Majority (49%) of studies in females were conducted in premenopausal participants. No studies in naturally menstruating, hormonal contraceptive-users or in participants experiencing menstrual irregularities met all best-practice recommendations. Very few studies (∼5%) achieved best-practice methodological guidelines for studying females and those that did were limited to menopause and pregnant cohorts. In addition to the underrepresentation of female participants in exercise-induced vascular adaptation research, there remains insufficient high-quality evidence with acceptable methodological control of ovarian hormones. To improve the overall methodological quality of evidence, adequate detail regarding menstrual status should be prioritized when including females in vascular and exercise research contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Thompson
- Exercise Science, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Carly J Brade
- Exercise Science, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sarah R Henley-Martin
- Exercise Science, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Louise H Naylor
- Cardiovascular Research Group, School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Angela L Spence
- Exercise Science, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Refalo MC, Helms ER, Robinson ZP, Hamilton DL, Fyfe JJ. Similar muscle hypertrophy following eight weeks of resistance training to momentary muscular failure or with repetitions-in-reserve in resistance-trained individuals. J Sports Sci 2024; 42:85-101. [PMID: 38393985 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2321021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
This study examined the influence of resistance training (RT) proximity-to-failure, determined by repetitions-in-reserve (RIR), on quadriceps hypertrophy and neuromuscular fatigue. Resistance-trained males (n = 12) and females (n = 6) completed an 8-week intervention involving two RT sessions per week. Lower limbs were randomised to perform the leg press and leg extension exercises either to i) momentary muscular failure (FAIL), or ii) a perceived 2-RIR and 1-RIR, respectively (RIR). Muscle thickness of the quadriceps [rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL)] and acute neuromuscular fatigue (i.e., repetition and lifting velocity loss) were assessed. Data was analysed with Bayesian linear mixed-effect models. Increases in quadriceps thickness (average of RF and VL) from pre- to post-intervention were similar for FAIL [0.181 cm (HDI: 0.119 to 0.243)] and RIR [0.182 cm (HDI: 0.115 to 0.247)]. Between-protocol differences in RF thickness slightly favoured RIR [-0.036 cm (HDI: -0.113 to 0.047)], but VL thickness slightly favoured FAIL [0.033 cm (HDI: -0.046 to 0.116)]. Mean volume was similar across the RT intervention between FAIL and RIR. Lifting velocity and repetition loss were consistently greater for FAIL versus RIR, with the magnitude of difference influenced by the exercise and the stage of the RT intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin C Refalo
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Eric R Helms
- Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ), Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion, Muscle Physiology Laboratory, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Zac P Robinson
- Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ), Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - D Lee Hamilton
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Jackson J Fyfe
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Vogel K, Larsen B, McLellan C, Bird SP. Female Athletes and the Menstrual Cycle in Team Sports: Current State of Play and Considerations for Future Research. Sports (Basel) 2023; 12:4. [PMID: 38275983 PMCID: PMC10818287 DOI: 10.3390/sports12010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past ten years there has been a dramatic rise in female sport participation and accompanying female professional national leagues across multiple sports, yet research has not followed suit. Although there are known variations between female and male physiology, training protocols in female sport are predominantly underpinned by research undertaken in male athletes. The hormonal variability experienced by women across the menstrual cycle, as well as the menstrual cycle variability between women, may contribute to the complexity of conducting rigorous physiological studies, leading to a paucity of robust sports-specific research that can be confidently applied to female athletes. Moreover, barriers exist in female sport that potentially limit the ability to conduct research, including the lack of full-time programs and limited resources. Recently, there has been increased interest in the potential effects of fluctuations in the female sex hormones, progesterone and oestrogen, on sport performance across different phases of the menstrual cycle. However, current research evaluating the menstrual cycle and physical performance (such as strength, speed, aerobic fitness, and athletes' perception of their performance) have shown inconsistent results. Additionally, methodological design across studies has shown little consistency, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions, which potentially prevents female athletes optimising their physical and sporting performance. It further impacts coaches and sports science researchers in their ability to provide appropriate training recommendations and educational opportunities. It is important to progress in female athlete research with an understanding of how the unique physiology of female athletes may influence their ability to physically perform in their respective sport, which requires representation in sports science research. This paper will provide an overview on current evidence and limitations within menstrual cycle research and provide considerations and directions for future research in this space within team sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Vogel
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia; (K.V.); (B.L.); (C.M.)
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia
- Lions Football Club, Richlands, QLD 4077, Australia
- Brisbane Tigers Rugby League Club, Coorparoo, QLD 4151, Australia
| | - Brianna Larsen
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia; (K.V.); (B.L.); (C.M.)
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia
| | - Chris McLellan
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia; (K.V.); (B.L.); (C.M.)
- Florida Panthers, Sunrise, FL 33323, USA
| | - Stephen P. Bird
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia; (K.V.); (B.L.); (C.M.)
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia
- Basketball New Zealand, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
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