Effect of one session of resistance training in two modes of reverse and combined supersets on growth hormone, IGF-1, and creatine kinase in sedentary overweight men

Superset is consecutive and continuous strength exercising, in which there are no rest intervals between sets or the rest time is limited. The superset is done using combined and reverse protocols. The aim of the present study was to investigate the comparative effect of reverse and combined superset resistance training on serum growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and creatine kinase (CK) in sedentary overweight men.

Fourteen sedentary overweight men with average age 28.42 ± 1.55 years and average body mass index (BMI) 28.46 ± 1.28 kg/m2 were studied in two groups under reverse and combined superset resistance protocols. Blood samples were collected from the brachial vein before and after trainings and level of CPK, GH and IGF-1 were measured using commercial kits.

Performing the resistance exercise in reverse and combined superset protocols resulted in significant elevation of the serum CPK, GH and IGF-1. There was no significant difference between the levels of CPK (p=0.88), GH (p=0.95) and IGF-1 (p=0.58) in subjects under two training protocols.

Both superset protocols had the same effect on anabolic responses and muscle damage indices. Considering that the levels of CPK, GH, and IGF-I hormones increased following superset exercises, it can be argued that performing resistance exercise with superset protocols can provide anabolic physiological responses and adaptations.