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Biochemical changes in response to intensive resistance exercise training in the elderly
Ivan Bautmans1, Rose Njemini, Sabine Vasseur
1Gerontology, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.
Gerontology
|June 28, 2005
Summary
Intensive strength training in older adults enhances muscle strength and functional performance. This is linked to changes in heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70) expression and circulating cytokines, suggesting a role in muscle adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Exercise physiology
- Gerontology
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Low-grade inflammation, marked by elevated IL-6 and TNF-alpha, is implicated in sarcopenia.
- High-intensity resistance training improves strength in the elderly without causing muscle wasting.
- Exercise-induced heat-shock proteins (Hsp) may modulate the acute phase reaction and muscle adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine Hsp70 expression changes following intensive strength training in elderly individuals.
- To determine if these Hsp70 changes correlate with acute phase reactions or muscle adaptation.
Main Methods:
- 31 elderly participants (mean age 68.4 years) underwent 6 weeks of intensive strength training.
- Evaluated muscle strength, functional performance, and circulating cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-10, TGF-beta).
- Measured Hsp70 in monocytes and lymphocytes at baseline and post-training, including under varying temperatures.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in muscle strength and functional performance were observed post-training.
- Hsp70 expression showed decreased levels immediately after sampling and at 37°C, but increased at 42°C.
- Strength gains correlated with baseline Hsp70 at 37°C and training-induced Hsp70 changes at 42°C.
Conclusions:
- Intensive strength training in the elderly alters Hsp70 expression.
- These alterations are associated with improvements in muscle strength and changes in circulating cytokines.