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Can high-intensity interval training promote skeletal muscle anabolism?
Callahan, Marcus J. Parr, Evelyn B. Hawley, John A. Camera, Donny M.
Callahan, Marcus J.
Parr, Evelyn B.
Hawley, John A.
Camera, Donny M.
Abstract
Exercise training in combination with optimal nutritional support is an effective strategy to maintain or increase skeletal muscle mass. A single bout of resistance exercise undertaken with adequate protein availability increases rates of muscle protein synthesis and, when repeated over weeks and months, leads to increased muscle fiber size. While resistance-based training is considered the ‘gold standard’ for promoting muscle hypertrophy, other modes of exercise may be able to promote gains in muscle mass. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) comprises short bouts of exercise at or above the power output/speed that elicits individual maximal aerobic capacity, placing high tensile stress on skeletal muscle, and somewhat resembling the demands of resistance exercise. While HIIT induces rapid increases in skeletal muscle oxidative capacity, the anabolic potential of HIIT for promoting concurrent gains in muscle mass and cardiorespiratory fitness has received less scientific inquiry. In this review, we discuss studies that have determined muscle growth responses after HIIT, with a focus on molecular responses, that provide a rationale for HIIT to be implemented among populations who are susceptible to muscle loss (e.g. middle-aged or older adults) and/or in clinical settings (e.g. pre- or post-surgery).
Keywords
Date
2021
Type
Journal article
Journal
Sports Medicine
Book
Volume
51
Issue
Page Range
405-421
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Centre for Exercise and Nutrition
Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research
Non-faculty
Faculty of Health Sciences
Centre for Exercise and Nutrition
Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research
Non-faculty
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled