The Effects of 'High-Low' Resistance Training and Creatine Supplementation in Aging Adults

Date
2016-01
Authors
Johannsmeyer, Sarah
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Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina
Abstract

The purpose was to investigate the effects of high-low resistance training (2 sets of leg press, chest press, hack squat and lat pull-down exercises performed to muscle fatigue at 80% baseline 1-repetition maximum [1-RM] immediately followed by repetitions to muscle fatigue at 30% baseline 1-RM) and creatine supplementation in aging adults. Participants were randomized to one of two groups: Creatine (CR: n = 14, 7 females, 7 males; 0.1 g/kg/day of creatine + 0.1 g/kg/day of maltodextrin; age = 58.0 ± 3.0 years) or Placebo (PLA: n = 17, 7 females, 10 males; 0.2 g/kg/day of maltodextrin; age = 57.6 ± 5.0 years) during 12 weeks of high-low resistance training (3 days/week). Prior to and following training and supplementation, assessments were made for body composition (whole-body lean tissue mass, fat mass, bone mineral), strength (1-RM for the leg press, chest press, hack squat and lat pull-down exercise), muscle endurance (total number of repetitions performed for 1 set using 70% baseline 1-RM for the chest press exercise and 80% 1-RM for the leg press exercise), tasks of functionality (hand-grip strength, balance, falls, walking speed), muscle protein catabolism (urinary excretion of 3-methylhistidine, 3-MH) and diet. Results showed that high-low resistance training improved lean tissue mass, muscle strength, endurance and tasks of functionality (p < 0.05). The addition of creatine to high-low resistance training significantly increased body mass (p = 0.002) and lean tissue mass (p = 0.007) compared to placebo. Males on creatine increased muscle strength (lat pull-down only) to a greater extent than females on creatine (p = 0.005). Creatine enabled males to train at a greater capacity over time compared to males on placebo (p = 0.049) and females on creatine (p = 0.012). Males on creatine (p = 0.019) and females on placebo (p = 0.014) decreased 3-MH, while females on creatine showed an increase. In conclusion, high-low resistance training is an effective intervention for improving muscle mass, muscle performance and functionality in aging adults. The addition of creatine to high-low resistance training augments the gains in lean tissue mass from resistance training alone. Keywords: Sarcopenia, Muscle Mass, Strength, Endurance, Muscle Protein Catabolism

Description
A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology and Health Studies, University of Regina. xii, 152 p.
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