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Strength training improves muscle aerobic capacity and glucose tolerance in elderly
Author(s) -
Frank P.,
Andersson E.,
Pontén M.,
Ekblom B.,
Ekblom M.,
Sahlin K.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of medicine and science in sports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.575
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1600-0838
pISSN - 0905-7188
DOI - 10.1111/sms.12537
Subject(s) - citrate synthase , medicine , endocrinology , oxidative phosphorylation , eccentric , resistance training , fiber type , aerobic exercise , muscle fibre , protein kinase b , carbohydrate metabolism , chemistry , skeletal muscle , biochemistry , phosphorylation , physics , quantum mechanics , enzyme
The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of short‐term resistance training ( RET ) on mitochondrial protein content and glucose tolerance in elderly. Elderly women and men (age 71 ± 1, mean ± SEM ) were assigned to a group performing 8 weeks of resistance training ( RET , n = 12) or no training ( CON , n = 9). The RET group increased in (i) knee extensor strength (concentric +11 ± 3%, eccentric +8 ± 3% and static +12 ± 3%), (ii) initial (0–30 ms) rate of force development (+52 ± 26%) and (iii) contents of proteins related to signaling of muscle protein synthesis (Akt +69 ± 20 and mammalian target of rapamycin +69 ± 32%). Muscle fiber type composition changed to a more oxidative profile in RET with increased amount of type IIa fibers (+26.9 ± 6.8%) and a trend for decreased amount of type IIx fibers (−16.4 ± 18.2%, P = 0.068). Mitochondrial proteins ( OXPHOS complex II , IV , and citrate synthase) increased in RET by +30 ± 11%, +99 ± 31% and +29 ± 8%, respectively. RET resulted in improved oral glucose tolerance measured as reduced area under curve for glucose (−21 ± 26%) and reduced plasma glucose 2 h post‐glucose intake (−14 ± 5%). In CON parameters were unchanged or impaired. In conclusion, short‐term resistance training in elderly not only improves muscular strength, but results in robust increases in several parameters related to muscle aerobic capacity.