Effects of one period of total-body resistance exercise (TRX) training on serum concentration of myostatin and follistatin in inactive women

It is known that the total-body resistance exercise (TRX) is a new training method to improve muscle strength and muscle mass, but, the impact of TRX training on the hormones involved in regulating muscle mass remains unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of one period of TRX training on serum concentration of myostatin and follistatin in inactive women.

In an experimental study with pre- and post-test design, 27 inactive women aged 20 to 40 years were randomly divided into two groups of control (n=12) and TRX (n=15). The TRX group performed for eight weeks and three sessions a week on selected TRX trainings, which included 6 main movements for 60 minutes. Blood samples were collected at baseline and 48 hours after the last exercise session and serum concentration of myostatin and follistatin was measure. Independent sample t-test and paired sample t-test was used for analyzing data.

The results showed that TRX training resulted in a significant reduction in serum myostatin (TRX: 42.53 ± 8.64 pg/ml versus control: 52.77 ± 12.90 pg/ml) when compared to the control group (P= 0.021). Also, TRX training resulted in a significant increase in serum follistatin (TRX: 1865.93 ± 209.78 pg/ml versus control: 1651.41 ± 164.92 pg/ml) when compared to the control group (P= 0.008).

According to the present findings, it seems that one period of TRX training may be result in decrease of myostatin and increase of follistatin hormones in inactive women