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Sprint and Strength Training Modulates Autophagy and Proteostasis in Aging Sprinters.
Jaakko Hentilä1, Juha J Hulmi, Eija K Laakkonen2
1Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, FINLAND.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|March 25, 2020
Summary
Intensive training improved sprint performance in masters sprinters by increasing muscle autophagosome content and selectively modulating unfolded protein response (UPR) markers without impairing clearance.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Molecular Biology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Muscle protein homeostasis and autophagy are critical for muscle function and are influenced by aging.
- Few studies investigate the impact of intense training on these processes in highly trained older individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effects of a novel, long-term training regimen on muscle autophagy and unfolded protein response (UPR) markers.
- To assess the impact of this training on sprint running performance in masters sprinters.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-two male sprinters (40-76 years) underwent a 20-week training program (experimental group) or continued routine exercise (control group).
- Training involved heavy/explosive strength and sprint exercises.
- Muscle biopsies analyzed protein markers (autophagy, UPR) via Western blotting; muscle thickness measured by ultrasonography; sprint performance by 60-m test.
Main Results:
- The experimental group showed significant improvement in 60-m sprint performance compared to controls.
- Muscle autophagosome content increased (LC3-II elevation) and clearance marker decreased (p62 reduction) in the trained group.
- Unfolded protein response (UPR) markers were selectively modulated, with decreases in ATF4 and increases in EIF2α.
Conclusions:
- A combined strength and sprint training stimulus can enhance muscle autophagosome content in masters sprinters without hindering clearance.
- This training approach selectively impacts UPR signaling components in older athletes.
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