Resistance Training vs Immobilization for Muscle Changes
Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
Age: 18 - 65
Sex: Female
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Recruiting
Sponsor: Queen's University
Must not be taking: Fish oils, Steroids, Anticoagulants, others
Disqualifiers: Muscular, Neurological, Metabolic, Cancer, others
No Placebo Group
Approved in 1 Jurisdiction
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?Skeletal muscle plays a critical role in supporting human health. Beyond its role in providing the force to move, skeletal muscle accounts for a large proportion of metabolic rate, glucose disposal, and amino acid storage. Skeletal muscle is dynamically regulated by environmental stimuli, such as loading (i.e., resistance training\]) and unloading (i.e., disuse atrophy) as well as the intake of essential amino acids (EAAs). However, the precise mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle mass in response to various conditions (e.g., EAA supplementation, resistance training, and unloading) are not completely understood. Therefore, concerted efforts to better understand the mechanisms regulating skeletal muscle size are needed that aid in the development of therapeutic interventions to combat age, disease, and disuse related muscular atrophy.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you stop taking fish oils and steroids if you have used them within the last 6 months and 3 months, respectively. If you are on antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy, you cannot participate. Other medications are not specifically mentioned, so it's best to discuss with the trial team.
What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment?
Research shows that resistance training, even at low volumes, can help maintain muscle strength and size during periods of immobilization. Additionally, resistance training in the early postoperative phase can lead to muscle growth and reduce hospital stays in elderly patients after hip surgery.
12345Is resistance training generally safe for humans?
Resistance training is generally considered safe for humans, with serious adverse events being uncommon. Proper guidance, trained personnel, and standardized guidelines can enhance safety during resistance training.
678910How does resistance training differ from other treatments for muscle changes?
Resistance training is unique because it involves physical exercises that improve muscle strength and size by applying mechanical stress, unlike immobilization which restricts movement. It can lead to specific neuromuscular adaptations and muscle growth, even at low loads, making it effective for increasing muscle strength and size.
1112131415Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for healthy individuals interested in how muscles change with exercise and rest. Participants should be willing to undergo resistance training and have one leg immobilized temporarily. Specific eligibility details are not provided, but typically, participants must meet certain health standards.Inclusion Criteria
Generally healthy as assessed by medical and physical activity questionnaires
Participants not currently pregnant
≥2 days per week of structured exercise
+2 more
Exclusion Criteria
Any concurrent medical, psychiatric, or orthopedic condition that, subject to investigators' discernment, would negatively affect the subject's ability to comply with the study requirements
I have had cancer within the last 5 years.
I am currently ill.
+8 more
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
2-4 weeks
Immobilization
Participants undergo 10 days of unilateral leg immobilization with a brace
10 days
1 visit (in-person) for brace fitting and instructions
Resistance Training
Participants undergo 4 sessions of unilateral resistance training over a 10-day period
10 days
4 visits (in-person) for resistance training sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in muscle protein synthesis and dynamic proteome
10 days
2 visits (in-person) for assessments at day 0 and day 10
Participant Groups
The study looks at the effects of resistance exercise on muscle proteins compared to the effects of not using a muscle (immobilization). It aims to understand how muscles grow stronger with exercise and weaken when they're not used.
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Resistance TrainingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants will undergo 4 sessions of unilateral resistance training over a 10 day period (the resistance training protocol will include 3 sets of 8-12 reps of leg press and leg extension). All participants will complete this protocol. On day 0, participants will be asked to undergo a bout of unilateral resistance exercise, and the investigators will assess the acute response to exercise + protein feeding (via EAA supplement).
Group II: ImmobilizationExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants will undergo 10 days of unilateral immobilization whereby a leg will remain in 60 degrees of flexion with the use of a brace. All participants will complete this protocol.
Find a Clinic Near You
Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
School of Kinesiology and Health StudiesKingston, Canada
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Queen's UniversityLead Sponsor
Kingston Health Sciences CentreLead Sponsor
References
Training at non-damaging intensities facilitates recovery from muscle atrophy. [2018]Resistance training promotes recovery from muscle atrophy, but optimum training programs have not been established. We aimed to determine the optimum training intensity for muscle atrophy.
Low-volume resistance exercise attenuates the decline in strength and muscle mass associated with immobilization. [2022]We determined the effectiveness of low-volume resistance exercise (EX) for the attenuation of loss of muscle mass and strength during leg immobilization. Men (N = 5) and women (N = 12, age 24 ± 5 years, body mass index 25.4 ± 3.6 kg/m(2)) were divided into two groups: exercise (EX; n = 12) and control (CON; n = 5). Subjects wore a knee brace on one leg that prevented weight bearing for 14 days. Resistance exercise (EX; 80% of maximal) was performed by the immobilized limb every other day. Immobilization induced a significant reduction (P
Blood flow restriction: an evidence based progressive model (Review). [2022]To remain independent and healthy, an important factor to consider is the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass. Inactivity leads to measurable changes in muscle and bone, reduces exercise capacity, impairs the immune system, and decreases the sensitivity to insulin. Therefore, maintaining physical activity is of great importance for skeletal muscle health. One form of structured physical activity is resistance training. Generally speaking, one needs to lift weights at approximately 70% of their one repetition maximum (1RM) to have noticeable increases in muscle size and strength. Although numerous positive effects are observed from heavy resistance training, some at risk populations (e.g. elderly, rehabilitating patients, etc.) might be advised not to perform high-load resistance training and may be limited to performance of low-load resistance exercise. A technique which applies pressure cuffs to the limbs causing blood flow restriction (BFR) has been shown to attenuate atrophy and when combined with low intensity exercise has resulted in an increase in both muscle size and strength across different age groups. We have provided an evidence based model of progression from bed rest to higher load resistance training, based largely on BFR literature concentrating on more at risk populations, to highlight a possible path to recovery.
Effects of blood flow restriction without additional exercise on strength reductions and muscular atrophy following immobilization: A systematic review. [2021]To investigate whether blood flow restriction (BFR) without concomitant exercise mitigated strength reduction and atrophy of thigh muscles in subjects under immobilization for lower limbs.
Resistance training in the early postoperative phase reduces hospitalization and leads to muscle hypertrophy in elderly hip surgery patients--a controlled, randomized study. [2008]To better understand how immobilization and surgery affect muscle size and function in the elderly and to identify effective training regimes.
Adverse events reported in progressive resistance strength training trials in older adults: 2 sides of a coin. [2010]To summarize adverse events reported in randomized controlled trials that applied progressive resistance strength training in older adults and to examine factors that might be associated with these events.
Resistance training and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews. [2021]The objective of this overview of systematic reviews was to determine the benefits and harms of resistance training (RT) on health outcomes in adults aged 18 years or older, compared with not participating in RT. Four electronic databases were searched in February 2019 for systematic reviews published in the past 10 years. Eligibility criteria were determined a priori for population (community dwelling adults), intervention (exclusively RT), comparator (no RT or different doses of RT), and health outcomes (critical: mortality, physical functioning, health-related quality of life, and adverse events; important: cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, mental health, brain health, cognitive function, cancer, fall-related injuries or falls, and bone health). We selected 1 review per outcome and we used the GRADE process to assess the strength of evidence. We screened 2089 records and 375 full-text articles independently, in duplicate. Eleven systematic reviews were included, representing 364 primary studies and 382 627 unique participants. RT was associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease incidence, and an improvement in physical functioning. Effects on health-related quality of life or cognitive function were less certain. Adverse events were not consistently monitored or reported in RT studies, but serious adverse events were not common. Systematic reviews for the remaining important health outcomes could not be identified. Overall, RT training improved health outcomes in adults and the benefits outweighed the harms. (PROSPERO registration no.: CRD42019121641.) Novelty This overview was required to inform whether there was new evidence to support changes to the recommended guidelines for resistance training.
Researchers' perspectives on adverse event reporting in resistance training trials: a qualitative study. [2022]The objectives of our study were to understand researchers' current practices and perspectives on adverse event (AE) reporting in clinical trials of resistance training (RT) and to identify barriers and facilitators of AE reporting. We conducted web conference or telephone-based one-on-one semistructured interviews with 14 researchers who have published RT studies. We audio-recorded and transcribed the interviews and analyzed the data using the thematic framework method. Four themes were identified: (1) researchers lack guidance and/or motivation for rigorous AE reporting; (2) researchers who undertake AE reporting educate and value participants, use trained personnel, and implement standardized guidelines; (3) suboptimal implementation of existing AE reporting standards and the perception that available guidelines do not apply to exercise trials; and (4) acceptability and feasibility of an exercise-specific guide for AE reporting depend on its content and format. In conclusion, AE reporting methods in the field of exercise science do not align with best practice. Strategies to reduce inconsistent and suboptimal AE reporting in RT trials are urgently needed and could be based on the barriers and facilitators identified in this study.
Potential health-related benefits of resistance training. [2022]Public health guidelines primarily focus on the promotion of physical activity and steady-state aerobic exercise, which enhances cardiorespiratory fitness and has some impact on body composition. However, research demonstrates that resistance exercise training has profound effects on the musculoskeletal system, contributes to the maintenance of functional abilities, and prevents osteoporosis, sarcopenia, lower-back pain, and other disabilities. More recent seminal research demonstrates that resistance training may positively affect risk factors such as insulin resistance, resting metabolic rate, glucose metabolism, blood pressure, body fat, and gastrointestinal transit time, which are associated with diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Research also indicates that virtually all the benefits of resistance training are likely to be obtained in two 15- to 20-min training sessions a week. Sensible resistance training involves precise controlled movements for each major muscle group and does not require the use of very heavy resistance. Along with brief prescriptive steady-state aerobic exercise, resistance training should be a central component of public health promotion programs.
[Resistance (strength) training in health promotion and rehabilitation]. [2006]Recent research data bring about sound scientific evidence on the importance of resistance training in health promotion and primary and secondary prevention of many diseases. This paper reviews the current scientific evidence and the most important recommendations on resistive training programming in healthy adults, elderly subjects and cardiac and pulmonary patients. An adequate resistance training appears to be an effective and safe method of improvement of muscle strength, enhancement of aerobic endurance (VO2max), beneficial modification of risk factors of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and increase in autonomy and well-being, especially in the elderly and cardiac and pulmonary patients. An appropriate preliminary examination, exercise programme and medical control increase the safety and long-term effectiveness of strength training.
Impact of range of motion during ecologically valid resistance training protocols on muscle size, subcutaneous fat, and strength. [2022]The impact of using different resistance training (RT) kinematics, which therefore alters RT mechanics, and their subsequent effect on adaptations remain largely unreported. The aim of this study was to identify the differences to training at a longer (LR) compared with a shorter (SR) range of motion (ROM) and the time course of any changes during detraining. Recreationally active participants in LR (aged 19 ± 2.6 years; n = 8) and SR (aged 19 ± 3.4 years; n = 8) groups undertook 8 weeks of RT and 4 weeks of detraining. Muscle size, architecture, subcutaneous fat, and strength were measured at weeks 0, 8, 10, and 12 (repeated measures). A control group (aged 23 ± 2.4 years; n = 10) was also monitored during this period. Significant (p > 0.05) posttraining differences existed in strength (on average 4 ± 2 vs. 18 ± 2%), distal anatomical cross-sectional area (59 ± 15 vs. 16 ± 10%), fascicle length (23 ± 5 vs. 10 ± 2%), and subcutaneous fat (22 ± 8 vs. 5 ± 2%), with LR exhibiting greater adaptations than SR. Detraining resulted in significant (p > 0.05) deteriorations in all muscle parameters measured in both groups, with the SR group experiencing a more rapid relative loss of postexercise increases in strength than that experienced by the LR group (p > 0.05). Greater morphological and architectural RT adaptations in the LR (owing to higher mechanical stress) result in a more significant increase in strength compared with that of the SR. The practical implications for this body of work follow that LR should be observed in RT where increased muscle strength and size are the objective, because we demonstrate here that ROM should not be compromised for greater external loading.
[Molecular, cellular and physiological responses to resistance training]. [2009]Resistance training induces differenciated adaptions. Depending on the applied method, neural or anabolic adaptions may dominate. Neural adaptions already reveal in the early stage of a training program, since force improvements can be seen even without muscle hypertrophy. During this phase, upcoming adaptions on myofibrilliar protein level are initiated on mRNA level. These adaptations may be described mainly as an increase of myofibrillar proteins and fibre type transformation, respectively. The article describes adaptations against specific methods of resistance training like maximum power, speed strength and strength endurance and shortly discusses the therapeutic use of resistance training.
Bench Press at Full Range of Motion Produces Greater Neuromuscular Adaptations Than Partial Executions After Prolonged Resistance Training. [2021]Martínez-Cava, A, Hernández-Belmonte, A, Courel-Ibáñez, J, Morán-Navarro, R, González-Badillo, JJ, and Pallarés, JG. Bench press at full range of motion produces greater neuromuscular adaptations than partial executions after prolonged resistance training. J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 10-15, 2022-Training at a particular range of motion (ROM) produces specific neuromuscular adaptations. However, the effects of full and partial ROM in one of the most common upper-limb exercises such as the bench press (BP) remain controversial. In this study, 50 recreationally to highly resistance trained men were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 training groups: full bench press (BPFULL), two-thirds bench press (BP2/3), and one-third bench press (BP1/3) and control (training cessation). Experimental groups completed a 10-week velocity-based resistance training program using the same relative load (linear periodization, 60-80% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]), only differing in the ROM trained. Individual ROM for each BP variation was determined in the familiarization and subsequently replicated in every lift during training and testing sessions. Neuromuscular adaptations were evaluated by 1RM strength and mean propulsive velocity (MPV). The BPFULL group obtained the best results for the 3 BP variations (effect size [ES] = 0.52-1.96); in turn, partial BP produced smaller improvements as the ROM decreased (BP2/3: ES = 0.29-0.78; BP1/3: ES = -0.01 to 0.66). After 10-week of training cessation, the control group declined in all neuromuscular parameters (ES = 0.86-0.92) except in MPV against low loads. Based on these findings, the BPFULL stands as the most effective exercise to maximize neuromuscular improvements in recreational and well-trained athletes compared with partial ROM variations.
Neuromuscular Adaptations to Low-Load Blood Flow Restricted Resistance Training. [2019]Low-load blood flow restricted (BFR) resistance exercise has been suggested to be as effective as moderate and high-load resistance training for increasing muscle size and strength. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of 6 weeks of HL or low-load BFR resistance training on neuromuscular function, strength, and hypertrophy of the knee extensors. Eighteen participants aged 18-22 years old were randomized to one of three training groups: moderate load (ML: 70% of 1 repetition maximum [1-RM]); BFR (20% 1-RM with a vascular restriction set to ~180 mmHg); and a control group (CON) that did not exercise. Participants performed leg extension (LE) and leg press exercises 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Measurements of isometric torque, LE 1-RM, central activation, electrically evoked torque, and muscle volume of the knee extensors were obtained before and after training. Isometric peak torque did not change following the training (p = 0.13). LE 1-RM improved in the ML (34 ± 20%; d = 0.78) and BFR (14 ± 5%; d = 0.67) groups compared to the CON group (0.6 ± 8%; d = 0.09; time x group interaction p = 0.02). Muscle volume increased in the ML (5.6%; d = 0.19) and BFR groups (2.5%; d = 0.09) with no change in the CON group (time x group interaction p = 0.001). There were no changes in central activation and evoked torque in any groups following the training (p > 0.05). Strength and hypertrophy were evident following ML and BFR resistance training programs indicating that both modalities are effective, although ML training appears to be a more potent and efficient. Neuromuscular changes were not evident and warrant more research.
Drop-Set Training Elicits Differential Increases in Non-Uniform Hypertrophy of the Quadriceps in Leg Extension Exercise. [2021]The study aimed to compare the effects of drop set resistance training (RT) versus traditional RT on markers of maximal muscle strength and regional hypertrophy of the quadriceps femoris. Sixteen recreationally active young men had one leg randomly assigned to the drop-set method (DS) and the other to training in a traditional manner (TRAD). Participants performed unilateral seated leg extensions using a periodized approach for eight weeks. Rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscle thickness (MT), estimated one repetition maximum (RM) in the unilateral knee extension, and peak and average isokinetic knee extension torque at 60°/s angular velocity were measured pre- and post-study. Both conditions increased muscle thickness of the RF and VL from pre- to post-intervention. DS showed statistically greater increases in the RF at 30% and 50% of muscle length, whereas no MT differences were detected at 70% muscle length nor at any aspect of the VL. Both DS and TRAD increased estimated one RM from pre- to post-study (+34.6% versus +32.0%, respectively) with no between-condition differences noted. Both conditions showed similar increases in peak torque (DS: +21.7%; TRAD: +22.5%) and average torque (DS: +23.6%; TRAD: +22.5%) from pre- to post-study. Our findings indicate a potential benefit of the drop-set method for inducing non-uniform hypertrophic gains in the RF muscle pursuant to leg extension training. The strategy did not promote an advantage in improving hypertrophy of the VL, nor in strength-related measures, compared to traditional training.