Effects of resistance training on resistin, leptin, cytokines, and muscle force in elderly post-menopausal women

Abstract

It may be that resistance exercise can be used to prevent the degenerative processes and inflammation associated with ageing. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of resistance training on cytokines, leptin, resistin, and muscle strength in post-menopausal women. Thirty-five sedentary women (mean age 63.18 years, s = 4.8; height 1.64 m, s = 0.07; body mass 57.84 kg, s = 7.70) were recruited. The 16 weeks of periodized resistance training consisted of two weekly sessions of three sets of 6-14 repetition maximum. Maximal strength was tested in bench press, 45 degrees leg press, and arm curl. Plasma tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-15, leptin, and resistin were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Maximal strength on all measures was increased after 16 weeks. There were minor or no modifications in tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-15. Interleukin-6 was decreased 48 h after compared with baseline and declined after 16 weeks. Leptin decreased 24 h after compared with baseline and was reduced at baseline and 48 h after compared with pre-training. There was a decrease in resistin after 24 and 48 h compared with baseline and a decline in baseline and immediately after levels compared with pre-training. A possible explanation of the results of the present study is a lower production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by the innate immune system. Periodized resistance training seems to be an important intervention to reduce systemic inflammation in this population.

Understanding the individual responsiveness to resistance training periodization

“…However, this study demonstrated a 13, 47, and 14 % increment with an ES of 0.56 (small), 0.96 (small), and 0.74 (small) for the same exercises. One can hypothesize that these differences would be attributed to a higher variability within subjects in this study as compared with the study of Prestes et al (2009c).…”

“…A previous study using the same LP scheme and older women (Prestes et al 2009c) revealed a significant increase in bench press, 45°leg press, and standing arm curl strength after 16 weeks of RT. When comparing the delta increment and effect size (ES), the study of Prestes et al (2009c) demonstrated a 22, 29, and 9 % increment with an ES of 1.25 (moderate), 8.96 (large), and 4.42 (large) for bench press, 45°leg press, and standing arm curl, respectively. However, this study demonstrated a 13, 47, and 14 % increment with an ES of 0.56 (small), 0.96 (small), and 0.74 (small) for the same exercises.…”

“…The periodization scheme was based in a previous study from our laboratory (Prestes et al 2009b;Prestes et al 2009c). After the familiarization period, participants initiated the LP and UP RT programs with two weekly sessions throughout the 16-week treatment period.…”

“…Moreover, RT can be performed safely to prevent the loss of lean body mass associated with sarcopenia, significantly increase muscle strength, and improve performance (Kraemer et al 2002a, b;Westcott 2012). Additionally, RT has been shown to reduce systemic inflammation [interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)] and is associated with lower CD14+ cell surface toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) expression that has a strong relationship with the aging process (Gleeson et al 2006;Prestes et al 2009c).…”

“…Prestes et al (2009c) assessed the effects of linear periodization (LP) or Bclassic^model on cytokines and muscle strength in sedentary elderly postmenopausal women with a mean age of 63 years. The results demonstrated a significant increase in bench press, 45°leg press and standing arm curl maximal strength, while systemic cytokines, such as resistin, leptin, and interleukin-6 (IL-6), decreased after 16 weeks of training.…”