Type 1 Muscle Fiber Hypertrophy after Blood Flow–restricted Training in Powerlifters
PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of blood flow restricted resistance exercise (BFRRE) on myofiber areas (MFA), number of myonuclei and satellite cells (SC), muscle size and strength in powerlifters. METHODS Seventeen national level powerlifters (25+/-6 yrs [mean+/-SD], 15 men) were randomly assigned to either a BFRRE group (n=9) performing two blocks (week 1 and 3) of five BFRRE front squat sessions within a 6.5-week training period, or a conventional training group (Con; n=8) performing front squats at ~70% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). The BFRRE consisted of four sets (first and last set to voluntary failure) at ~30% of 1RM. Muscle biopsies were obtained from m. vastus lateralis (VL…
Delayed myonuclear addition, myofiber hypertrophy, and increases in strength with high-frequency low-load blood flow restricted training to volitional failure
The purpose of the present study was to investigate muscle hypertrophy, strength, and myonuclear and satellite cell (SC) responses to high-frequency blood flow-restricted resistance exercise (BFRRE). Thirteen individuals [24 ± 2 yr (mean ± SD), 9 men] completed two 5-day blocks of 7 BFRRE sessions, separated by a 10-day rest period. Four sets of unilateral knee extensions to voluntary failure at 20% of one repetition maximum (1RM) were conducted with partial blood flow restriction (90–100 mmHg). Muscle samples obtained before, during, 3 days, and 10 days after training were analyzed for muscle fiber area (MFA), myonuclei, SC, and mRNA and miRNA expression. Muscle size was measured by ultra…
MicroRNAs in Muscle: Characterizing the Powerlifter Phenotype
Powerlifters are the epitome of muscular adaptation and are able to generate extreme forces. The molecular mechanisms underpinning the significant capacity for force generation and hypertrophy are not fully elucidated. MicroRNAs (miRs) are short non-coding RNA sequences that control gene expression via promotion of transcript breakdown and/or translational inhibition. Differences in basal miR expression may partially account for phenotypic differences in muscle mass and function between powerlifters and untrained age-matched controls. Muscle biopsies were obtained from m. vastus lateralis of 15 national level powerlifters (25.1 ± 5.8 years) and 13 untrained controls (24.1 ± 2.0 years). The …
Acute responses of comprehensive gonadosteroids and corticosteroids to resistance exercise before and after 10 weeks of supervised strength training
New Findings: What is the central question of this study? Although acute responses of the principal gonadosteroid and corticosteroid hormones to resistance exercise are well documented, there is no information regarding how the key lower-concentration intermediary hormones respond and potentially influence these hormonal pathways. What is the main finding and its importance? This study provides evidence for cascading conversions of some gonadosteroids, and the data suggest that the testosterone concentration increases independently of these hormones. These findings challenge future studies to determine the exact physiological roles of the lower-concentration gonadosteroids and corticosteroi…
High-frequency blood flow-restricted resistance exercise results in acute and prolonged cellular stress more pronounced in type I than in type II fibers.
Myocellular stress with high-frequency blood flow-restricted resistance exercise (BFRRE) was investigated by measures of heat shock protein (HSP) responses, glycogen content, and inflammatory markers. Thirteen participants [age: 24 ± 2 yr (means ± SD), 9 males] completed two 5-day blocks of seven BFRRE sessions, separated by 10 days. Four sets of unilateral knee extensions to failure at 20% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) were performed. Muscle samples obtained before, 1 h after the first session in the first and second block (