Effect of Upper Body and Lower Body Combined Training (Strength and Endurance) on the Serum Levels of Myostatin and Hormone-sensitive Lipase in Overweight and Obese Men
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 36
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change in serum myostatin (MSTN) concentration
Study Overview
Brief Summary
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of upper body-based and lower body-based combined training on serum levels of myostatin (MSTN) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in overweight and obese men. Myostatin is a myokine involved in the regulation of skeletal muscle growth and adipose tissue metabolism, while HSL is a key enzyme involved in lipolysis and fat mobilization.
Thirty-six overweight and obese men were assigned to either an upper body combined training group, a lower body combined training group, or a non-exercising control group. The intervention consisted of 10 weeks of combined resistance and aerobic training performed three times per week. Serum levels of MSTN and HSL were measured before and after the intervention to determine whether upper body-focused and lower body-focused combined training produce different effects on markers associated with muscle growth and lipid metabolism.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- None
Masking Description
No masking was used in this study. Participants, investigators, and study personnel were aware of group assignments due to the nature of the exercise interventions.
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 20 Years to 45 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- Male
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Male participants aged 20 to 45 years.
- •Body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m².
- •Overweight or obese status.
- •No participation in regular resistance or aerobic exercise during the previous 6 months.
- •Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Presence of metabolic diseases, including diabetes mellitus.
- •Presence of cardiovascular or respiratory diseases.
- •Musculoskeletal or joint injuries that could interfere with exercise participation.
- •Use of anti-obesity medications.
- •Use of anabolic steroids, sports supplements, or fat-burning supplements.
- •Regular alcohol consumption or tobacco use.
- •Absence from more than two training sessions during the intervention period.
- •Withdrawal of consent or unwillingness to continue participation.
Arms & Interventions
Upper Body Combined Training
Participants completed a 10-week upper body-focused combined training program three times per week. Each session consisted of upper body resistance exercises followed by aerobic exercise performed on a hand ergometer. Resistance training included chest press, rowing machine, biceps curl, triceps extension, shoulder press, and abdominal exercises.
Intervention: Upper Body Combined Training (Behavioral)
Lower Body Combined Training
Participants completed a 10-week lower body-focused combined training program three times per week. Each session consisted of lower body resistance exercises followed by aerobic exercise performed on a leg ergometer. Resistance training included leg press, leg extension, leg flexion, leg abduction, leg adduction, and calf raise exercises.
Intervention: Lower Body Combined Training (Behavioral)
Control
Participants in the control group did not participate in the exercise intervention and were instructed to maintain their usual daily activities throughout the 10-week study period.
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change in serum myostatin (MSTN) concentration
Time Frame: Baseline and 10 weeks
Serum myostatin concentration measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The outcome was assessed before the intervention and 48 hours after completion of the 10-week training program.
Change in serum hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) concentration
Time Frame: Baseline and 10 weeks
Serum hormone-sensitive lipase concentration measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The outcome was assessed before the intervention and 48 hours after completion of the 10-week training program.
Secondary Outcomes
No secondary outcomes reported
Investigators
Arya Habibi
Principal Investigator
University of Tehran