Effects of high-intensity resistance training and low-intensity resistance training with vascular restriction on bone markers in older men

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine and compare the effects of different resistance training protocols on bone marker concentrations in older men. Thirty-seven healthy older male subjects were assigned to one of three groups: high-intensity resistance training (HI-RT, age = 57.5 ± 0.8); low-intensity resistance training with vascular restriction (LI-VRT, age = 59.9 ± 1.0); and control (CON, age = 57.0 ± 1.1). Blood samples were collected before and after 6 weeks of resistance training to measure the changes in bone formation [bone alkaline phosphatase, (Bone ALP)] and resorption (C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of Type-I collagen, CTX) marker concentrations. A significant main effect for time was detected in Bone ALP to CTX ratio for the exercise groups (p < 0.05). There was a significant group effect for percentage changes in serum Bone ALP (21% for LI-VRT, 23% for HI-RT, and 4.7% for CON) and post hoc analysis identified significant increases in serum Bone ALP concentrations in LI-VRT (p = 0.03) and HI-RT (p = 0.02) when compared with CON. The exercise groups had significantly (p < 0.01) greater strength increases in all upper body and leg exercises compared with CON with no significant differences between the exercise groups except for leg extension strength (HI-RT > LI-VRT, p < 0.05). Serum concentrations of Bone ALP and Bone ALP to CTX ratio improved in both resistance training protocols, suggesting increased bone turnover with a balance favoring bone formation. Therefore, despite using low mechanical load, LI-VRT is a potentially effective training alternative to traditional HI-RT for enhancing bone health in older men.

Acute effect of resistance exercise performed at different intensities on urine loss in older women

“…High-intensity exercises (> 70% 1RM) lead to greater gains in muscle strength [22] and bone mass in older adults [18]. In the present study, lower mean pad weights during exercise were observed for the higher intensity (6RM).…”

“…In the elderly population, resistance exercise has been reported to be beneficial for physical [18,19] and psychological health [20], as well as to reduce physical disabilities [21]. High-intensity exercises (> 70% 1RM) lead to greater gains in muscle strength [22] and bone mass in older adults [18].…”

The Benefits of Physical Activity on Climacteric Women

“…Regarding the bone mass, few are the studies explaining the physiological mechanisms caused by BFR. However, since it is a low-load exercise, the improvements do not come from mechanical stimulus or piezoelectric efect but from metabolic and hormonal factors [51,52]. The low-load strength training with BFR was capable of increasing the bone alkaline phosphatase levels in elderly men after 6 weeks of exercise, correspondingly to the high load group (21% and 23%, respectively) [51].…”

“…Most part of the studies with BFR combine this technique with the strength training and in apparently healthy individuals; however, some researchers already have been investigating how the BFR can be used in special populations and associated with other types of exercise [47][48][49][50][51][52]. In the next session, some studies that used this technique in climacteric women and/ or with non-transmissible chronic diseases will be presented.…”

“…However, since it is a low-load exercise, the improvements do not come from mechanical stimulus or piezoelectric efect but from metabolic and hormonal factors [51,52]. The low-load strength training with BFR was capable of increasing the bone alkaline phosphatase levels in elderly men after 6 weeks of exercise, correspondingly to the high load group (21% and 23%, respectively) [51]. Besides that, there is the hypothesis that an increase on the intramedullary pressure and interstitial luid low within the bone promoted by the BFR leads to favorable responses for bone formation and remodulation [52].…”