Adding High-Intensity Interval Training to Classical Resistance Training Does Not Impede the Recovery from Inactivity-Induced Leg Muscle Weakness

• Main Authors: Tomas Venckunas (Author), Marius Brazaitis (Author), Audrius Snieckus (Author), Mantas Mickevicius (Author), Nerijus Eimantas (Author), Andrejus Subocius (Author), Dalia Mickeviciene (Author), Håkan Westerblad (Author), Sigitas Kamandulis (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2022-12-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Inactivity is known to induce muscle weakness, and chronically increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are proposed to have a central causative role in this process. Intriguingly, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which involves bursts of high ROS production, can have positive effects in pathological conditions with chronically increased ROS. Here, young male volunteers were exposed to 3 weeks of unloading of the dominant leg followed by 3 weeks of resistance training without (Ctrl group) or with the addition of all-out cycling HIIT. Changes in muscle thickness were assessed by ultrasonography, and contractile function was studied by measuring the torque during maximal voluntary contractions (MVC). The results show an ~6% decrease in vastus lateralis thickness after the unloading period, which was fully restored after the subsequent training period in both the Ctrl and HIIT groups. MVC torque was decreased by ~11% after the unloading period and recovered fully during the subsequent training period in both groups. All-out cycling performance was improved by the 3 weeks of HIIT. In conclusion, the decline in muscle size and function after 3 weeks of unloading was restored by 3 weeks of resistance training regardless of whether it was combined with HIIT.

Item Description

10.3390/antiox12010016
2076-3921