Post by John A. Casler on Jul 16, 2009 23:11:46 GMT -8
jap.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/88/1/61?ijkey=d443e52eefdb6d2b5f11d3257812f925e49e705d&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha
Rapid increase in plasma growth hormone after low-intensity resistance exercise with vascular occlusion
Yudai Takarada1, Yutaka Nakamura2, Seiji Aruga2, Tetuya Onda2, Seiji Miyazaki2, and Naokata Ishii3
1 Yokohama Sports Medical Center, Yokohama 222-0036; 2 Research Institute of Sports Medical Science, Tokai University, Hiratsuka 259-1207; and 3 Department of Life Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
Hormonal and inflammatory responses to low-intensity resistance exercise with vascular occlusion were studied. Subjects (n = 6) performed bilateral leg extension exercise in the seated position, with the proximal end of their thigh compressed at 214 ± 7.7 (SE) mmHg throughout the session of exercise by means of a pressure tourniquet. Mean intensity and quantity of the exercise were 20% of 1 repetition maximum and 14 repetitions × 5 sets, respectively. In each set, the subjects repeated the movement until exhaustion. Plasma concentrations of growth hormone (GH), norepinephrine (NE), lacate (La), lipid peroxide (LP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and activity of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) were measured before and after the exercise was finished and the tourniquet was released. Concentrations of GH, NE, and La consistently showed marked, transient increases after the exercise with occlusion, whereas they did not change a great deal after the exercise without occlusion (control) done at the same intensity and quantity. Notably, concentration of GH reached a level ~290 times as high as that of the resting level 15 min after the exercise. IL-6 concentration showed a much more gradual increase and was maintained at a slightly higher level than in the control even 24 h after exercise. Concentrations of LP and CPK showed no significant change. The results suggest that extremely light resistance exercise combined with occlusion greatly stimulates the secretion of GH through regional accumulation of metabolites without considerable tissue damage.