Impact of resistance exercise during bed rest on skeletal muscle sarcopenia and myosin isoform distribution

Marcas M. Bamman, Mark S.F. Clarke, Daniel L. Feeback, Robert J. Talmadge, Bruce R. Stevens, Steven A. Lieberman, Michael C. Greenisen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

194 Scopus citations

Abstract

Because resistance exercise (REx) and bed-rest unloading (BRU) are associated with opposing adaptations, our purpose was to test the efficacy of REx against the effects of 14 days of BRU on the knee-extensor muscle group. Sixteen healthy men were randomly assigned to no exercise (NoEx; n = 8) or REx (n = 8). REx performed five sets of leg press exercise with 80-85% of one repetition maximum (1 RM) every other day during BRU. Muscle samples were removed from the vastus lateralis muscle by percutaneous needle biopsy. Myofiber distribution was determined immunohistochemically with three monoclonal antibodies against myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms (I, IIa, IIx). MHC distribution was further assessed by quantitative gel electrophoresis. Dynamic 1-RM leg press and unilateral maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) were determined. Maximal neural activation (root mean squared electromyogram) and rate of torque development (RTD) were measured during MVC. Reductions (P < 0.05) in type I (15%) and type II (17%) myofiber cross-sectional areas were found in NoEx but not in REx. Electrophoresis revealed no changes in MI-IC isoform distribution. The percentage of type IIx myofibers decreased (P < 0.05) in REx from 9 to 2% and did not change in NoEx. 1 RM was reduced (P < 0.05) by 9% in NoEx but was unchanged in REx. MVC fell by 15 and 13% in NoEx and REx, respectively. The agonist-to-antagonist root mean squared electromyogram ratio decreased (P < 0.05) 19% in REx. RTD slowed (P < 0.05) by 54% in NoEx only. Results indicate that REx prevented BRU-induced myofiber atrophy and also maintained training- specific strength. Unlike spaceflight, BRU did not induce shifts in myosin phenotype. The reported benefits of REx may prove useful in prescribing exercise for astronauts in microgravity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)157-163
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Applied Physiology
Volume84
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1998
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Muscle atrophy
  • Neural activation
  • Spaceflight
  • Strength
  • Unloading

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Impact of resistance exercise during bed rest on skeletal muscle sarcopenia and myosin isoform distribution'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this