Moderate Intensity Resistive Training Reduces Oxidative Stress and Improves Muscle Mass and Function in Older Individuals

Abstract

An innovative moderate-intensity resistive exercise-training (RT) program was tested in thirty-five sarcopenic elders (SAR). The subjects were randomized into two groups: SAR training (SAR-RT), n = 20, 73.0 ± 5.5 years, or SAR non-training (SAR-NT), n = 15, 71.7 ± 3.4 years. The training consisted of 12-week progressive RT, thrice/week, at 60% one-repetition maximum (1RM), 3 sets, 14–16 repetitions for both upper and lower limbs. The pre and post intervention measurements included: the skeletal muscle index (SMI%); strength (1RM); stair-climbing power (SCP); muscle thickness (MT) of vastus lateralis (VL) and elbow flexors (EF), VL pennation angle (PA), rectus femoris (RF) anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA); reactive oxygen species (ROS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), protein carbonyls (PC), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), 8-isoprostane (8-iso-PGF2-α), 8-OH-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), as markers of oxidative stress/damage (OxS). In SAR-RT, SCP increased by 7.7% (P < 0.01), MT increased by 5.5% for VL, 10.4% for EF and PA increased by 13.4% for VL (P < 0.001 for all). The RF ACSA increased by 14.5% (P < 0.001). 1RM significantly increased by at least 67% for all muscles tested. Notably muscle strength (1RM) positively correlated (P < 0.001) with TAC and negatively with PC (P < 0.001). In conclusion, moderate intensity RT is an effective strategy to increase muscle mass and strength in SAR, while minimizing OxS.

Biomarkers and Redox Balance in Aging Rats after Dynamic and Isometric Resistance Training

“…Previous studies have shown that DRT is indicated for the treatment of loss of function and sarcopenia [27,28], and to reduce muscle oxidative stress [28]. In line with previous reports [28,32], the positive changes in the muscular redox balance in response to DRT may come about due to a decrease in the production of ROS. This reduced ROS production may be secondary to the improvement in antioxidant defense as evidenced by the reduction of prooxidant markers (TBARS and GSSG) and an increase in antioxidants (trolox equivalent, CAT, and lower GSSG/GSH ratio).…”

“…The hypothesis that DRT would be superior to IRT in altering aging biomarkers was confirmed. Several training models like aerobic training, DRT, and IRT have been investigated to determine efficacy in mitigating the effects of aging [21,23,[27][28][29]31]. Data from the current intervention suggest that DRT reduced the mRNA of p53 and shelterin (Trf1, Trf2, and Xrcc5) independently of Chk2 after 16 weeks of training.…”

“…In particular, DRT has shown to reverse the loss in strength and muscle mass initiated by advancing age [27,28]. IRT may be a more appropriate modality of training for older adults who find themselves unable to perform dynamic movements due to joint limitations or pain.…”

“…Particularly, dynamic RT (DRT) has shown to prevent loss of strength and muscle mass associated with aging. One of the mechanisms proposed for these DRT benefits is the attenuation of muscle oxidative stress [27,28]. Likewise, isometric RT (IRT) induces systemic, neuromuscular, and hemodynamic benefits in addition to improving antioxidant defense in hypertensive patients [29][30][31].…”

Creatine Supplementation, Physical Exercise and Oxidative Stress Markers: A Review of the Mechanisms and Effectiveness

“…Furthermore, Vezzoli et al concluded that 12 weeks of moderate-intensity resistance training can minimize the generation of ROS and oxidative stress. They stated that moderate-intensity resistance training can overcome anabolic resistance and maximize protein synthesis in older adults [ 81 ]. In the case of acute resistance exercise, Motameni et al showed that three types of resistance exercise (hypertrophy, strength, and power) did not worsen oxidative stress in women who practiced resistance exercise.…”