Upper Versus Lower Limb Responses to Higher Versus Lower Load Resistance Training in Young Men

NCT03993483 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: HIREB 4774
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 20
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Recent research suggests that performing resistance exercise training with relatively light loads is equally as effective at increasing muscle mass and muscle strength as performing resistance exercise training with relatively heavy loads. Whether or not performing resistance exercise with relatively heavy loads or light loads is equally as effective between the upper- and lower-body within the same individual has never been investigated. Given the substantial individual variance in resistance exercise training-induced changes in muscle mass and strength, this study is designed to quantify the relative influence that extrinsic training variables (e.g., load), as opposed to intrinsic muscle-based predisposition, has on resistance training-induced changes in muscle mass and muscle strength.

Conditions

Muscle Hypertrophy; Muscle Strength

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (6)

• Change in fat-free mass

  Measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry pre- and post-training

  up to 12 weeks

• Change in vastus lateralis thickness

  Measured by ultrasonography pre- and post-training

  up to 12 weeks

• Change in vastus lateralis cross sectional area

  Measured by ultrasonography pre- and post-training

  up to 12 weeks

• Change in biceps brachii thickness

  Measured by ultrasonography pre- and post-training

  up to 12 weeks

• Change in biceps brachii cross sectional area

  Measured by ultrasonography pre- and post-training

  up to 12 weeks

• Change in muscle fibre cross sectional area

  Measured by muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis pre- and post-training

  up to 12 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Higher Load

EXPERIMENTAL

One arm and one leg were randomized (based on limb dominance) to perform unilateral biceps curls (arm) and knee extensions (leg) with relatively higher loads (80 % of their one-repetition maximum).

Behavioral: Unilateral resistance exercise

Lower Load

EXPERIMENTAL

The other arm and leg were randomized (based on limb dominance) to perform unilateral biceps curls (arm) and knee extensions (leg) with relatively higher loads (80 % of their one-repetition maximum).

Behavioral: Unilateral resistance exercise

Interventions

Unilateral resistance exercise BEHAVIORAL

The participants performed three sets of their unilateral resistance exercise (biceps curls and knee extensions) three times per week for 10 weeks.

Higher Load; Lower Load

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 30 Years
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Be between the ages of 18-30 years (inclusive)
• Be able to maintain a habitual diet and perform resistance exercise three times per week throughout the trial
• Be in general good health (assessed by Get Active Questionnaire)
• Understand the study procedures and sign this form providing informed consent to participate in the study.

You may not qualify if:

• Use of tobacco or related products
• A history of neuromuscular problems or muscle and/or bone wasting diseases
• Any acute or chronic illness; cardiac, pulmonary, liver, or kidney abnormalities; insulin- or non-insulin-dependent diabetes or other metabolic disorders (all ascertained through medical questionnaires)
• Use of medications known to affect protein metabolism (i.e. corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (prescription use or daily use of over the counter medication), or prescription strength acne medications)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• McMaster University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Exercise Metabolism Research Laboratory, McMaster Univeristy

Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1, Canada

Location

Study Officials

• Stuart Phillips, PhD

  McMaster University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: The histochemistry and ultrasonography were analyzed by blinded study investigators
• Purpose: BASIC SCIENCE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Tier 1 Canada Research Chair and Professor

Model Details: One arm and one leg of each participant were randomized to lift with heavier loads while the other arm and leg of each participant were randomized to lift with lighter loads for 10 weeks.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 17, 2019
• First Posted: June 20, 2019
• Study Start: June 1, 2018
• Primary Completion: October 5, 2018
• Study Completion: October 5, 2018
• Last Updated: June 20, 2019

Record last verified: 2019-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

CA (1)