Characterisation of the Muscle Protein Synthetic Response to Resistance Exercise in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Exploratory Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background and Objective. The rate of skeletal muscle protein synthesis (MPS) is the principal driving force underpinning the muscular adaptive response to resistance exercise (RE). This study aims to consolidate the literature, characterise MPS response to RE, and assess the impact of key covariates. Methods. Five electronic databases (PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, Embase, Sport Discus, and Cochrane Library) were searched for controlled trials that assessed the MPS response to RE in healthy, adult humans, postabsorptive state. Individual study and random-effects meta-analysis arewere used to inform the effects of RE and covariates on MPS. Results from 79 controlled trials with 237 participants were analysed. Results. Analysis of the pooled effects revealed robust increases in MPS following RE (weighted mean difference (WMD): 0.032% h−1, 95% CI: [0.024, 0.041] % h−1, I2 = 92%, k = 37, P<0.001). However, the magnitude of the increase in MPS was lower in older adults (>50 y: WMD: 0.015% h−1, 95% CI: [0.007, 0.022] % h−1, I2 = 76%, k = 12, P=0.002) compared to younger adults (<35 y: WMD: 0.041% h−1, 95% CI: [0.030, 0.052] % h−1, I2 = 88%, k = 25, P<0.001). Individual studies have reported that the temporal proximity of the RE, muscle group, muscle protein fraction, RE training experience, and the loading parameters of the RE (i.e., intensity, workload, and effort) appeared to affect the MPS response to RE, whereas sex or type of muscle contraction does not. Conclusion. A single bout of RE can sustain measurable increases in postabsorptive MPS soon after RE cessation and up to 48 h post-RE. However, there is substantial heterogeneity in the magnitude and time course of the MPS response between trials, which appears to be influenced by participants’ age and/or the loading parameters of the RE itself.