The effect of resistance training with blood flow restriction and creatine supplements on serum concentrations of myostatin and growth hormone in male bodybuilders

Subject Areas : Physical Activity and Health

Shahin Riyahi Malayeri ¹ , Omid Soleimani Ghaleh ² , Motahare Ghane ³ , Ali Shariat ⁴ , Hamed Oghbaee ⁵ , Maryam Takhti ⁶

1 - Assistant Professor exercise physiology, Department of physical education & sport sciences, East Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran,
2 - M.Sc. Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, East Tehran branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3 - M.Sc. Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, East Tehran branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
4 - M.Sc. Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, East Tehran branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
5 - M.Sc. Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, East Tehran branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
6 - PhD Student of Exercise Physiology, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Sciences and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Abstract

Received: 2022-09-03 Accepted : 2022-10-30 Published : 2022-11-22

Keywords: Upper trunk muscles, myostatin, Growth hormone, blood flow restriction training,

Abstract :

Aim:  The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of resistance training with blood flow restriction and creatine consumption on the serum levels of myostatin and growth hormone in male bodybuilders. Methods:  36 male bodybuilders with an average age of 22.63 years were divided into three equal groups of 12 people, which included the resistance training group with blood flow restriction and creatine supplementation, the resistance training group with blood flow restriction and placebo, and the creatine consumption group. The exercise program was performed for 8 weeks and 3 sessions of 80 minutes each week, in a stationary and circular manner. The training intensity was 30-40% of a maximum repetition in each training session. Creatine supplement was also taken for eight weeks, every five days and daily in the amount of 20 grams. Growth hormone, muscle strength and volume were evaluated before and after training.  Results:   The results showed that the serum concentration of growth hormone, muscle strength and volume increased significantly after eight weeks of blood flow restriction training and creatine consumption (P=0.003). while the serum concentration of myostatin had a significant decrease (P=0.002). Conclusion:   It seems that low-intensity training under conditions of blood flow restriction and creatine consumption can lead to increase of strength and muscle hypertrophy, and in addition, increase the serum concentration of growth hormone and decrease myostatin. Therefore, it is recommended that athletes use the same protocol in their training to improve strength and increase muscle hypertrophy.