Junyoung Hong

Interaction of resistance training, electroacupuncture and Huang Qi supplementation on skeletal muscle function and GLUT4 protein concentration in rats

Objective To determine the effects and potential synergy of resistance training (RT), Huang Qi (HQ) herbal supplementation, and electroacupuncture (EA) on skeletal muscle mass, contractile properties, and components of the insulin signalling pathway in healthy Sprague Dawley rats. Methods Female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of five groups (n=8 each): control (CON), RT only, RT with EA (RT-EA), RT with HQ (RT-HQ), and RT combined with both EA and HQ (RT-EA-HQ). RT was performed using ladder climbing every other day for 8 weeks. Sparse-wave EA was applied for 15 min/day, 3 times/week for 8 weeks. HQ supplementation was provided via oral gavage daily for 8 weeks. Results RT significantly increased the muscle mass of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) compared to CON. The isometric twitch and tetanic tension of the FHL in the RT-EA, RT-HQ, and RT-EA-HQ groups were significantly higher compared to CON and RT groups. RT-EA treatment (with or without HQ) significantly increased GLUT4 protein concentration but had no impact on Akt-2. Conclusions EA appears to be an effective treatment modality for increasing muscle mass and function when combined with RT. RT-EA may also be an effective method for improving glucose tolerance as a result of increases in GLUT4 protein concentration.

Comparison of Multiple Sets and Single Set of Resistance Training on Muscle Strength and Power: 1508 Board #301 May 28, 8

Studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of different resistance training modalities on muscle strength and power in order to improve physical performance, yet to date findings have been inconclusive. Optimal resistance programs for muscular responses to high and low volume resistance training still need to be explored. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of multiple sets (70% of 1RM, 3 sets/10 reps) and a single set (50-100% of 1RM, 1 set/up to 8 reps) of resistance training on muscular strength and power in healthy male college students. A total of 19 students were randomly assigned to either a single set (ST, n=6), multiple sets (MT, n=7), or control group (CON, n=6). The ST (every 3rd day) and MT (3 times/week) trained for 8 weeks using an inclined leg press. The ST training protocol consists of one set of eight maximum number of repetitions using 50%, 75%, 90%, and 100% of 1RM for the first four repetitions, then needed 10 lbs were added to each subsequent repetition until they failed to lift the weight. Total volume of ST was 147 reps (average 7 reps x 21 days), and MT was 720 reps (30 reps x 24 days). One-repetition maximum (1RM), muscle maximal voluntary contraction, peak power, and electromyography were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks of training. Repeated-measured ANOVAs were used to find interaction effect between trial and treatment groups factors. 1RM in all training groups was significantly increased compared to their baseline values (p < .001). There was no significant difference in 1RM between the two training groups after 8 weeks of training. Muscle maximal voluntary contraction (p < .001) and electromyography activity (p = .043) were significantly increased in MT after 8 weeks of training compared to baseline, but not in ST (p = .089 and p = .206, respectively). There was no significant increase on peak power after 8 weeks of resistance training both in MT (p = .286) and ST (p = .372). ST, a low volume progressive single set resistance training protocol, is as effective as traditional high volume multi sets training protocol (MT) for increasing muscle strength.