BackgroundTo date, no studies have compared the e cacy of auto-regulated periodized and linear resistance exercises on anabolic myokines and muscular performance among recreationally active individuals. This study aimed to compare the effects of an 8-week auto-regulated periodized resistance exercise(APRE) program with a linear resistance exercise(LRE) program on insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1), follistatin(FST), myostatin(MST), body composition, muscular strength, and power in recreationally active males.
MethodsThirty males were randomly assigned to either the APRE group(n = 15) or the LRE group(n = 15). Participants completed training three times a week for eight weeks. The outcome measures included serum IGF-1, FST, MST, muscular strength(isometric knee extension, handgrip), power(vertical jump), lean body mass, and fat mass.
ResultsIGF-1 circulating levels increased over time following APRE(34%), with no signi cant change following LRE(~-1%). There were no signi cant differences over time or between groups for FST or MST. Muscular strength(knee extension [21.5% vs. ~16%] and handgrip [right: 31% vs. 25%; left: 31.7% vs. 28.8%]) and power(~ 33% vs. ~26%) signi cantly increased to a greater extent following APRE compared to LRE.Interestingly, results revealed that lean body mass increased over time only after APRE(~ 3%), but not LRE.
ConclusionThese ndings suggest that APRE may be more effective than LRE in increasing muscular strength, power, and lean body mass, as well as circulating IGF-1 levels, in recreationally active males. The observed differences may be attributed to the increased training volume associated with APRE. However, further research is needed to directly assess muscle protein synthesis.
IntdoructionResistance training acutely elevates muscle protein synthesis, which over time leads to muscle accretion and gains in muscular strength and power [1]. Resistance training periodization, or the manipulation of training variables such as intensity, frequency, sets, repetitions, velocity, and recovery time, affects physiological adaptations. Purportedly taking into account an individual's responsiveness to resistance