Effect of Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction on Follistatin to Myostatin Ratio, Body Composition and Anaerobic Power of Trained-Volleyball Players

Abstract

Background and objectives: The present study was designed to determine the effect of blood flow restriction training (BFRT) on follistatin to myostatin ratio, body composition and anaerobic power of trained volleyball players. Methods: Eighteen trained volleyball players were randomly assigned into two study groups: resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFRT; n=9) and resistance training without blood flow restriction (WBFRT; n=9). The subjects performed trainings three sessions a week, for eight weeks. In each session, barbell squat, leg extension, leg curl and dumbbell lunges were performed in three sets of 15 repetitions, with rest intervals of 30 seconds. Serum follistatin and myostatin concentrations, body composition and anaerobic power were assessed before and after the study. Data were analyzed using the paired sample t-test, Wilcoxon test, independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. All statistical analyses were done in SPSS (version 22), and a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Follistatin levels increased significantly (P=0.001), while myostatin levels decreased significantly in both groups (P=0.001). Follistatin to myostatin ratio increased significantly in both groups (P=0.001). Although body fat percentage decreased in both groups, it did not differ significantly between the two groups (P=0.28). Moreover, anaerobic power increased significantly in both groups (P=0.001), but this increase was more profound in the BFRT group (P=0.001). Conclusion: Based on our findings, blood flow restriction can be applied as remarkable approach to boost body adaptation responses to resistance training.

Comparison of whole egg v. egg white ingestion during 12 weeks of resistance training on skeletal muscle regulatory markers in resistance-trained men

“…These regulatory markers have demonstrated an ability to either stimulate or inhibit muscular hypertrophy (1) . For instance, MSTN is recognised as a strong negative regulator of SMM, which acts by binding to activin type II receptors, eliciting an inhibitory response for muscle hypertrophy (30) . A previous investigation by Hulmi et al (23) demonstrated that following 21 weeks of RT, MSTN concentrations were only altered immediately postexercise in groups not consuming protein after the workout.…”

“…Moreover, TGF-β1 is known as a multifunctional protein that acts as a skeletal muscle regenerator since it contributes to extracellular matrix reconstitution as well as muscle tissue remodelling (33) . Several investigations have evaluated the aforementioned myokines to determine their role in RT-induced muscular adaptations (1,30,34,35) . Accordingly, we showed that 8 weeks of wholebody RT increased circulating FLST and decreased MSTN concentrations in middle-aged men (1) .…”

Low-Intensity Blood Flow Restriction Training Does Not Modulate Myostatin Concentration in Elderly Females

“…Recently, blood flow restriction training (BFRT) with low intensities has been considered as an effective approach to increase SMM compared to traditional RT, which is performed with higher intensities (5). Recent studies reported a decrease in myostatin (MSTN) concentrations following RT (3,5). Blood flow restriction increases the muscle mass by regulating several cellular pathways, including the mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling, ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 and forkhead box O (6).…”

“…This protein is produced in the skeletal muscle tissue and acts as a muscle growth inhibitor that circulates through the bloodstream and eventually binds to activing type II receptors (9). Evidence suggests that MSTN concentration decreases following eight weeks of RT with BFRT (7) or without BFRT (3,5,7). It has been suggested that RT could also reduce MSTN concentrations, resulting in increased SMM (9).…”

Concentrations of Circulating Irisin and Myostatin in Race and Endurace Purebred Arabian Horses—Preliminary Study

“…This means that training did not influence plasma myostatin in racehorses. In contrast, training of human and rat subjects generally led to a decrease in the serum/plasma myostatin concentration [49,[67][68][69]; however, a physical exercise intervention in recumbent patients resulted in an increase in this myokine [70]. In turn, de Souza et al [71] found no effect of different types of training on myostatin gene expression in muscles.…”