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Structural protein alterations to resistance and endurance cycling exercise training
Allen C Parcell1, Mandy T Woolstenhulme, Robert D Sawyer
1Human Performance Research Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA. allen_parcell@byu.edu
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|February 12, 2009
Summary
Resistance training significantly increases desmin protein in skeletal muscle, highlighting its role in muscle adaptation. Endurance training does not alter desmin levels, suggesting distinct cytoskeletal responses to different exercise types.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Muscle Biology
- Cellular Biomechanics
Background:
- The muscle cytoskeleton, particularly desmin, is crucial for force transmission and muscle integrity.
- Understanding how different exercise modalities affect cytoskeletal proteins is key to optimizing training protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of resistance training versus endurance training on desmin and dystrophin content in human skeletal muscle.
- To determine if high muscle force or high exercise volume differentially affects the muscle cytoskeleton.
Main Methods:
- Human skeletal muscle biopsies (vastus lateralis) were collected before and after 12 weeks of progressive resistance or endurance cycle training.
- Desmin and dystrophin protein content was quantified using immunoblotting techniques.
- Functional capacity was assessed by measuring one-repetition maximum and VO2max.
Main Results:
- Resistance training led to a significant increase (82%) in desmin content, while endurance training showed no change.
- Dystrophin content remained unchanged in both training groups.
- Both resistance and endurance training improved functional capacity (one-repetition maximum and VO2max, respectively).
Conclusions:
- High-tension stimuli, characteristic of resistance training, specifically impact the desmin protein within the muscle cytoskeleton.
- The findings suggest that the tensile loading and eccentric contractions in resistance exercise contribute to desmin alterations.
- Desmin may play a role in the mechanical integration and functional adaptations observed after resistance training.
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