Gender differences in resistance-training-induced myofiber hypertrophy among older adults

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2003 Feb;58(2):108-16. doi: 10.1093/gerona/58.2.b108.

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that older men (n = 9, 69 +/- 2 years) would experience greater resistance-training-induced myofiber hypertrophy than older women (n = 5, 66 +/- 1 years) following knee extensor training 3 days per week at 65-80% of one-repetition maximum for 26 weeks. Vastus lateralis biopsies were analyzed for myofiber areas, myosin heavy chain isoform distribution, and levels of mRNA for insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), IGFR1, and myogenin. Gender x Training interactions (p <.05) indicate greater myofiber hypertrophy for all three primary fiber types (I, IIa, IIx) and enhanced one-repetition maximum strength gain in men compared with women (p <.05). Covarying for serum IGF-1, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, or each muscle mRNA did not negate these interactions. In both genders, type IIx myofiber area distribution and myosin heavy chain type IIx distribution decreased with a concomitant increase in type IIa myofiber area distribution (p <.05). In summary, gender differences in load-induced myofiber hypertrophy among older adults cannot be explained by levels of circulating IGF-1 or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, or by expression of the myogenic transcripts examined.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Body Composition / physiology*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cohort Studies
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / analysis
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / metabolism*
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / anatomy & histology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Myogenin / analysis
  • Myogenin / metabolism*
  • Physical Education and Training
  • Reference Values
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Sex Factors

Substances

  • MYOG protein, human
  • Myogenin
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I