Short-Term Resistance Training Supported by Whole-Body Cryostimulation Induced a Decrease in Myostatin Concentration...

Area of Science:

• Exercise physiology
• Sports science
• Muscle adaptation

Background:

• Resistance training is a primary method for increasing muscle strength.
• Cryostimulation, or cold exposure, is increasingly explored for its potential physiological benefits.
• Understanding the interplay between cold exposure and exercise adaptations is crucial for optimizing training protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if combining cryostimulation with resistance training enhances muscle strength.
• To determine if these adaptations are associated with changes in circulating exerkines.
• To explore the role of myostatin and specific interleukins in mediating these effects.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-five students underwent 12 resistance training sessions.
• Participants were divided into cryostimulation (cold exposure at -110 °C) or passive recovery groups.
• Muscle strength, myoglobin, myostatin, insulin-like growth factor 1, and exerkines (IL-6, IL-15, irisin, BDNF) were measured pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Cryostimulation reduced the physiological burden and myoglobin levels post-exercise.
• The cryostimulation group showed decreased myostatin levels (p < 0.05).
• A significant interaction was observed in interleukin-15 (IL-15) concentrations (p = 0.01).
• Both groups improved isokinetic muscle strength, with cryostimulation potentially enhancing this adaptation.

Conclusions:

• Resistance training combined with cold exposure positively influences muscle strength.
• Modulation of myostatin and IL-15 concentrations appears to be a key mechanism.
• Cryostimulation may offer benefits in recovery and muscle adaptation following resistance exercise.