Soy protein based supplementation supports metabolic effects of resistance training in previously untrained middle aged males

Abstract

Objective.?To determine changes in body composition, physical performance, metabolic and hormonal parameters induced by lifestyle counselling, resistance training and resistance training with soy protein based supplemention in middle aged males.

Design.?Randomised controlled study consisting of resistance training without (RT-G) or with (RTS-G) a soy protein based supplement and a control group with lifestyle education only (LE-G).

Subjects.?Forty healthy middle aged men (50–65 years, BMI 25–29.9 kg/m²).

Measurements.?Changes in body weight (BW) and waist circumference (WC) were measured and body composition (BC), fat mass (FM), lean body mass (LBM) were measured by skin fold anthropometry at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention. In addition, changes in physical fitness, metabolic and hormonal parameters (lipids, glucose, fructosamines, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, Leptin, human growth hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone, hs-CRP, Il-6) were evaluated.

Results.?Thirty-five participants completed the 12 week study. No significant changes in BW were noted although RM and WC dropped and LBM increased after training, particularly in the RTS group (FM 22.6?±?5.5?kg to 21.2?±?4.7?kg; LBM 68.5?±?7.2?kg to 70.1?±?7.4; p?<?0.01). Subjects in the RTS group experienced more pronounced improvements in the strength measurements than the RT group. After the training intervention there were significant changes in hormonal and metabolic parameters as well as in glycemic control, particularly in the RTS group.

Conclusions.?Our data suggest that resistance training, particularly in combination with a soy protein based supplement improves body composition and metabolic function in middle aged untrained and moderately overweight males.     

Effect of ceasing creatine supplementation while maintaining resistance training in older men

The authors previously found that creatine (Cr) combined with 12 weeks of resistance training enhanced muscle strength and endurance and lean tissue mass (LTM) in older men. Their purpose in this study was to assess these variables with cessation of Cr combined with 12 weeks of reduced training (33% lower volume) in a subgroup of these men (n = 8, 73 years old) compared with 5 men (69 years old) who did not receive Cr. Strength (1-repetition maximum [1-RM]), endurance (maximum number of repetitions over 3 sets at 70-80% 1-RM), and LTM (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) were assessed before and after 12 weeks of Cr cessation combined with reduced-volume training. No changes in strength or LTM occurred. Muscle endurance was significantly reduced (7-21%; p <.05), with the rate of change similar between groups. Withdrawal from Cr had no effect on the rate of strength, endurance, and loss of lean tissue mass with 12 weeks of reduced-volume training.     

Effects of resistance training on liver structure and function of aged rats

The aging process may cause negative physiological changes. However, exercises as resistance training (RT) have been considered an important intervention to attenuate these changes. Additionally, liver plays an important role in blood glucose homeostasis in exercise.

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the effects of RT on the liver components of aged animals.

Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: 24 months’ group (CONTROL); and group submitted to a progressive RT protocol for 16 weeks (EXERCISE). Both groups were sacrificed at 24 months.

Results: We observed a decrease in blood flow due to the practice of resistance exercises. Besides, our results showed that hepatic tissue plays an important role in glycemic homeostasis during RT. In addition, RT increased mitogen capacity of hepatocytes.

Conclusions: Our study showed many implications for the knowledge about the effects of strength training on old animals’ liver.     

Symptoms of testosterone deficiency in early middle aged men

Symptoms of testosterone deficiency and concentrations of testosterone (T) and bioavailable testosterone (BT) were studied in 35- and 45-year-old men. Methods: A questionnaire, was sent to all 35- and 45-year-old men in Linköping, Sweden (n?=?1998). The questionnaire has earlier been used for 55- to 75-year-old men and included demographic data, medical history, different symptoms possibly of T deficiency and the 10 questions from the “ADAM-questionnaire”. Totally 200 men randomly selected among the men who answered the questionnaire were asked to give blood samples for analysis of T- and BT-concentrations. Results: A total of 38.7% of the questionnaires were returned and analysed, and 43.5% of the 200 randomly selected men gave blood samples. The older age group reported more symptoms that may be connected to low B and BT and had lower T- and BT-concentrations. Less strong erections and higher alcohol consumption were associated with lower concentrations of BT in 45-year-old men. Conclusions: The burden of symptoms possibly related to low T concentrations were higher in 45-year-old men, and BT and T were lower. However, due to the low answer frequency and number of blood samples analyzed no general conclusions can be drawn.     

Total training load may explain similar strength gains and muscle hypertrophy seen in aged rats submitted to resistance training and anabolic steroids

This study aimed to quantify training parameters and analyze the morphological response of aged muscles submitted to resistance training and anabolic steroids. Aged Wistar rats were divided into groups: C – initial control; CF – final control; CAS – control with anabolic steroid, RT – resistance training, and RTA – resistance training with anabolic steroid. Maximum carried load, absolute and relative loads increased significantly in RT and RTA. RTA demonstrated greater relative load than RT. Average total volume, total climbing volume, relative total volume, relative total climbing volume, and mean climbing volume were similar between groups RT and RTA. For soleus, CAS, RT, and RTA enlarged cross-sectional area of type I fibers and nuclear ratio. As for type II fibers, RTA was higher than C and CF. For plantaris, RT and RTA showed significant increases in myofibers type I compared to C and CF. For type II fibers, RTA showed a significant increase compared to C and CF. Regarding the nuclear ratio, RT and RTA showed a higher ratio than C, CF, and CAS. Our results demonstrated that both RT and RTA were not different among the analyzed morphological parameters. This fact can be explained by the absence of differences found in the training variables analyzed.     

Impact of metabolic syndrome and its components on kidney stone in aging Taiwanese males

Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MtS) and kidney stone are two common aging diseases with male dominant. This is the first study regarding the potential impact of MtS and its components on kidney stone in aging Chinese population.

Methods: A total of 694 males with a mean age of 55.6 years were enrolled. The definition of MtS was according to the modified criteria developed by the Bureau of Health Promotion in Taiwan. Subjects were classified as having a disease of kidney stones according to diagnosis by a physician with available medical records or evidence from ultrasonography judged by an investigator of urologist.

Results: Using age-adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis, our results showed that subjects with kidney stone had significantly higher prevalence of MtS (p?=?0.04, OR?=?1.74, 95% CI: 1.0 1–3.00). The presence of MtS had significant correlation with kidney stone (p?=?0.01, OR?=?1.83, 95% CI: 1.1 4–2.93), which were associated with the increment of MtS components (p?p?Conclusions: In aging Taiwanese males, the presence of MtS and its components are strongly associated with kidney stone. Abnormal BP is the most significant risk component of MtS for kidney stone.     

Perceptions and attitudes towards aging in two culturally diverse groups of aged males: A South African experience

The role of men has undergone tremendous change over the last decade due to various reasons. The researcher tried to combine two objectives in this study. Firstly the focus was on perceptions and attitudes of aged males towards themselves, significant others and the general process of aging. The second objective was to determine the culturally diverse perceptions and attitudes of aged males towards aging and some concomitant factors. The study was done within the qualitative paradigm. Seeing that research of this nature has seldom been undertaken, an exploratory research design was embarked on. Two culturally different groups, the one consisting of 12 aged black men and the other consisting of 12 aged white men, were established. Members for the two groups were selected by way of the accidental sampling technique. Vast differences were found between the two groups on some aspects, while on other aspects there were little differences.     

Intergenerational effects of further vocational training in Germany

ABSTRACT

This article analyses the influence of unemployed parents’ further vocational training on their children’s future apprenticeship and employment opportunities. We focus on households receiving means-tested benefits in Germany and investigate whether parents’ further vocational training helps avoid an intergenerational transmission of unemployment. Parents’ further vocational training can affect children’s future apprenticeship and employment opportunities directly, for instance by raising the value attributed to education and training within the family. Indirect effects via parents’ improved employment opportunities are possible as well. The sample consists of adolescents who were 14–17 years old when their parents participated in a further vocational training programme. We evaluate apprenticeship and employment outcomes for the young adults at ages 17–23 using entropy balancing methods on the basis of rich large-scale register data. Our findings indicate significantly positive effects of parents’ further vocational training on children’s apprenticeship enrolment but non-significant or negative effects on children’s regular employment at young ages. Moreover, mediation analysis gives evidence that these effects are partly mediated via an increase in parents’ own employment opportunities. Overall, our analyses indicate that parents’ further vocational training improves the qualifications of the next generation as well.     

The development of amyloid beta protein deposits in the aged brain

The deposition of amyloid beta protein (Abeta) in the human brain and the generation of neurofibrillary tangles are the histopathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Accumulation of Abeta takes place in senile plaques and in cerebrovascular deposits as a result of an imbalance between Abeta production and clearance. This Review describes the different types of Abeta deposits, which can be distinguished by their morphology and by the hierarchical involvement of distinct areas of the brain in Abeta deposition. The role of intracellular Abeta in Abeta deposition and the mechanism of Abeta toxicity are also discussed.     

Protein needs of older adults engaged in resistance training: a review

Protein recommendations by some professional organizations for young adults engaged in resistance training (RT) are higher than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), but recommendations for resistance-training older adults (>50 years old) are not well characterized. Some argue that the current RDA is adequate, but others indicate increased protein needs. Although concerns have been raised about the consequences of high protein intake, protein intake above the RDA in older adults is associated with increased bone-mineral density when calcium intake is adequate and does not appear to compromise renal health in older individuals with normal renal function. Individual protein needs for older adults in RT are likely highly variable according to health and training regimen, but an intake of 1.0-1.3 g x kg(-1) x day(-1) should adequately and safely meet the needs of older adults engaged in RT, provided that their energy needs are met.     

The effects of strength training on memory in older adults

The authors examined whether resistance training has an effect on working memory span. Participants included 210 community-residing older adults with at least one disability from the Strong for Life program, a randomized controlled trial that examined the effects of home-based resistance exercise. Memory was assessed with the WAIS backward digit span at baseline and 3 and 6 months into the intervention. Although there were no differences between the experimental treatment and control groups in average levels of memory change, within the treatment group change in resistance level during the intervention was a significant predictor of memory change, controlling for age, education, sex, and disability level. The results suggest that strength training can benefit memory among older adults, especially when using higher resistance levels.     

The effects of respiratory-muscle training on exercise in older women

This research examined the effects of respiratory-muscle (RM) training on RM function and exercise performance in older women. Twenty-six women (60-69 yr of age) were assessed for spirometry, RM strength (maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure), inspiratory-muscle endurance, and walking performance to a perceived exertion rating of "hard." They were randomly allocated to a threshold RM training group (RMT) or a nonexercising control group (CON) for 8 wk.After training, the 22% (inspiratory) and 30% (expiratory) improvements in RM strength in the RMT group were significantly higher than in the CON group (p < .05). The RMT group also displayed several significant performance improvements, including improved within-group treadmill performance time (12%) and reductions in submaximal heart rate (5%), percentage of maximum voluntary ventilation (16%), and perceived exertion for breathing (8%). RM training appears to improve RM function in older women. Furthermore, these improvements appear to be related to improved submaximal exercise performance.     

The entry of women in predominantly male professions: when training supports the search of alternative ways of organizing work time

Following a research carried out on the integration of women in professional areas predominantly for men, this paper intends to present and debate the project of a training course which aims the transformation of the organization of work schedules in order to improve the well-being of the workers involved. The conception of training courses with this type of objective involves the confrontation and debate between the "invested skills" of the trainers and the "constituted skills" of the trainees. But will this paradigm remain intact when applied to training courses permeated by the gender dimension? That is what one will try to realize with the effective implementation of a training course, whose reflection will allow, ultimately, to enrich our understanding on gender, work, health and training.     

Effect of resistance training on single muscle fiber contractile function in older men

Reproduced with permission     

Associations of the lower urinary tract symptoms with the lifestyle, prostate volume, and metabolic syndrome in the elderly males

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the lifestyle, prostate volume (PV), and metabolic syndrome (MS) on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in the elderly males. A total of 764 men aged greater than 40 years were enrolled. Their severities of LUTS were assessed by the International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire, while their MS was diagnosed according to the criteria developed by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Lifestyle factors, PV, and components of MS were compared between no/mild and moderate/severe LUTS groups. In univariate analysis, age, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and PV significantly correlated with the severity of LUTS, but the presence or any components of MS did not. Results of multivariate analysis showed that aging, cigarette smoking, lack of regular exercise, and larger PV were independent predictors for moderate/severe LUTS. Notably, the risk factors for LUTS was influenced by the presence of MS. PV may play a role in determining the severity of LUTS for men without MS, while physical activity was the critical factor for men with MS. It was suggested that healthy lifestyle would be beneficial to lessen the severity of LUTS in the elderly males.     

Catering to sex,sexual, and gender diversity: An exploratory study on the effects of LGBTI awareness training on aged care staff in Tasmania,Australia

The Australian National LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care Strategy seeks to address the lack of recognition of older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) adults living in aged care. Awareness training for aged care staff forms a crucial part of this strategy, but the impact of such educational programs are yet to be examined. In this article, we examine the effects of LGBTI awareness training on staff working in an Australian aged care facility. These staff perceived the awareness training as valuable, but the outcomes from it were limited. Therefore, we indicate changes that are necessary to support the translation of training into practice.     

The effects of specialized training in alcohol information for counseling students

The alcoholism problem in the United States has reached proportions impossible to ignore. It follows that we need trained professionals in significant numbers to deal with the alcoholic population. Graduate programs, however, provide little or no course offerings in the area of specific training for dealing with alcoholics. In academia some attempts have been made to address this situation. However, budget restrictions, limited marketability of counselors with specialized training, and the superiority of the generalist training model are some of the main arguments that have compromised adequate chemical dependence training. The research literature, however, is replete with studies indicating the need for specialized training to prepare mental health professionals to work as competent alcohol counselors. The focus of this research was to examine the effect of specific training for counseling students in preparing them to work with alcoholic clients. The results of the analyses indicated that a training session specifically designed for working with alcoholic populations significantly increased the objective knowledge base of counseling students, although the single training session was not enough to significantly improve subjective judgment and response scores. This research emphasizes a need for specialized training in counseling programs for alcohol counselors. Further, it is implied that training programs should include at least one semester-long course on alcohol remediation for counseling students.     

Predicting perceptions of sexual harassment based on type of resistance and belief in token resistance

This study examined perceptions of sexual harassment based on belief in women's use of token resistance and a victim's physical or verbal resistance to unwanted sexual attention, described in experimentally manipulated vignettes. Findings from 541 undergraduates revealed that a stronger belief in token resistance was associated with weaker perceptions of sexual harassment. Results showed that any type of resistance led to stronger perceptions of sexual harassment than no resistance at all, except for those with a stronger belief in women's use of token resistance. Perceptions among those with a stronger belief strengthened only when there were two forms of resistance offered simultaneously. These findings extend the literature by investigating the influence of physical resistance on sexual harassment perceptions.