Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effects of eight weeks of resistance training (Ex), vitamin D supplementation (VD), and their combination (VD+Ex) on insulin resistance (HOMA IR), glycemic control (HbA1c, fasting glucose), inflammatory markers (interleukin 6 [IL 6] and C reactive protein [CRP]), and anthropometric measures in men with T2DM. In this single blind randomized controlled trial, 40 men with T2DM (aged 40–55 years) were randomly allocated into four groups (n=10 each): placebo control (PI), vitamin D supplementation (2000 IU/day, VD), resistance training (three sessions/week, 60–70% of 1RM, progressive overload, Ex), and combined VD+Ex. All participants maintained their usual diet, lifestyle, and anti diabetic medications. Fasting blood samples were collected pre and post intervention to measure serum glucose, insulin, 25 hydroxy vitamin D, IL 6, and CRP. HOMA IR was calculated. Post hoc analysis showed that the Ex group had significantly lower HOMA IR than the placebo group (p=0.002), and the VD+Ex group had significantly lower HOMA IR compared to both placebo (p<0.001) and VD alone (p=0.001). The comparison between VD+Ex and Ex was not statistically significant (p>0.05). No significant difference in HbA1c was observed (p=0.210). For body fat percentage, both Ex (p=0.043) and VD+Ex (p<0.001 vs. placebo;p=0.009 vs. VD) showed significant reductions. IL 6 levels were significantly lower in the Ex and VD+Ex groups compared to placebo and VD groups (p<0.001 for both). No significant changes were found in CRP levels (p=0.078).

Abstract This study was designed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of Iranian research on the effects of various resistance training protocols on muscle hypertrophy. The analysis examined temporal publication trends, prolific authors, leading research institutions, and prominent journals in this field. All relevant articles published up to the year 1403 (2024) were retrieved from the MagIran database. Inclusion criteria were limited to original peer-reviewed research articles published in Persian, while conference abstracts and other non-journal sources were excluded. Data were analyzed using VOSviewer software to perform co-authorship and keyword co-occurrence analyses. Between 1390 and 1403 (2011–2024), a total of 31 articles were published in this domain. Most publications were authored by faculty members of public (state) universities. Approximately 65% of the articles appeared in journals affiliated with the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, whereas 35% were published in medical sciences journals. Keyword analysis indicated that “resistance training” and “muscle hypertrophy” were the most frequent and central terms, with clustering results demonstrating strong interconnections among core research topics. Overall, the findings of this bibliometric analysis provide a structured overview of the research landscape and offer a roadmap for identifying research gaps, publication patterns, and future research priorities in the Iranian context.

Abstract Sciatic nerve injury results in significant functional impairment and is associated with neuroinflammatory responses. While lithium and exercise have shown independent neuroprotective potential, their combined effects remain less explored. This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of lithium, resistance training, and their combination on functional recovery and neuroinflammatory markers in a rat model of sciatic nerve injury. Twenty-five rats were randomly divided into five groups: Sham, Model (sciatic nerve injury), Model+Lithium, Model+Resistance training, and Model+Lithium+Resistance training. Lithium carbonate (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered for 5 days, and resistance training was conducted for 6 weeks, with both interventions starting 24 hours’ post-injury. Functional recovery was assessed using the beam walk test. Neuroinflammation was evaluated by measuring the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NO) in the cerebrospinal fluid at the end of the 6-week intervention period. Sciatic nerve injury (Model group) induced a significant deficit in beam test performance compared to the Sham group (p < 0.001). All treatment groups (Lithium, Resistance training, and Combined) showed significant improvement in functional scores compared to the Model group, with the Combined treatment group showing significantly greater recovery than either monotherapy (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the Model group exhibited a significant increase in MPO and NO levels. Resistance training alone and in combination with lithium significantly attenuated this increase (p < 0.0001). Interestingly, lithium monotherapy did not reduce the elevated neuroinflammatory markers. Our findings demonstrate that resistance training alone effectively reduces neuroinflammation and improves functional recovery after sciatic nerve injury. The combination of lithium and resistance training yields a synergistic effect, resulting in the most significant functional improvement, suggesting a promising combined therapeutic strategy for peripheral nerve injury.

Abstract Irisin, a myokine cleaved from the membrane protein Fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), has emerged as a critical exercise-induced hormone. It is implicated in the browning of white adipose tissue, enhanced metabolic rate, and potential anabolic processes. In bodybuilding, where precise manipulation of training variables—specifically repetitions (reps) and sets—is paramount, understanding how these variables influence irisin secretion could optimize both physique and health outcomes. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the effects of resistance training protocols, with a focus on reps and sets, on irisin secretion. Furthermore, it explores the potential subsequent benefits of elevated irisin levels for bodybuilders, including its putative roles in fat metabolism, muscle remodeling, and overall metabolic health. Evidence suggests that high-volume resistance training protocols, characterized by multiple sets (≥3) and moderate repetitions (8-12 reps), may be potent stimulators of irisin release. This secretion is hypothesized to be mediated by muscle contraction-induced PGC-1α expression. Elevated irisin levels are often correlated with improved lipid oxidation, which could aid in cutting phases by promoting a leaner physique. Additionally, preclinical and some human studies suggest irisin may support muscle hypertrophy through enhanced nutrient partitioning and autocrine/paracrine signaling, though this mechanism requires further elucidation. Strategic manipulation of resistance training volume and intensity may represent a viable method for modulating irisin secretion. Incorporating protocols that could elevate this myokine might provide bodybuilders with a dual advantage: enhancing metabolic efficiency to reduce adipose tissue and potentially supporting muscle growth and recovery. However, the current evidence is not yet definitive, and more research is needed to confirm these links.

Abstract This study investigated the effects of resistance training and pineapple extract consumption on intratumoral NF-κB and LIN28B gene expression and serum TNF-α levels in a murine C57 melanoma model. Twenty C57BL/6 mice were allocated into four groups (n=5/group): melanoma tumor control (MT), MT with resistance training (MT+RT), MT with pineapple extract (MT+PJ), and MT with combined intervention (MT+RT+PJ). The RT protocol and PJ administration (300 mg/kg/day via gavage) were conducted for six weeks’ post-tumor induction. Serum TNF-α was quantified by ELISA, and tumor gene expression of NF-κB and LIN28B was analyzed via RT-PCR. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. All three intervention groups exhibited a significant downregulation of NF-κB and LIN28B gene expression in tumor tissue compared to the MT control group (p<0.05). Conversely, serum TNF-α levels were significantly elevated in the intervention groups relative to the control (p<0.05). Resistance training and pineapple extract consumption, both individually and in combination, significantly modulated pro-tumorigenic pathways by suppressing intratumoral NF-κB and LIN28B expression, despite an observed increase in systemic TNF-α.

Abstract Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) exhibits dysregulated p53 tumor-suppressor signaling, driving therapeutic resistance; exercise and nutraceuticals represent promising adjuvants for pathway modulation. This study investigated resistance training and nanocurcumin in an orthotopic GBM rat model (n=40), with groups including healthy controls, cancer controls, nanocurcumin (80 mg/kg/day), resistance training (ladder climbing, 50% BW + 30g, 3×/week), and combined intervention. After 4 weeks, tumor tissue analysis revealed resistance training significantly reduced p53 mRNA expression versus cancer controls (1.8 ± 0.2 vs. 3.1 ± 0.3; p = 0.021), while all interventions suppressed p21 (combination group: 1.2 ± 0.1 vs. control 4.0 ± 0.4; p < 0.001), demonstrating 70% greater p21 inhibition in the combined group versus monotherapies (p < 0.01). The synergistic p21 downregulation indicates potent disruption of the G1/S cell-cycle checkpoint, likely mediated through inter-organ cross-talk along the muscle-liver-brain axis—where exercise-induced myokines (IL-6, BDNF) mitigate tumor oxidative stress, nanocurcumin suppresses hepatic inflammatory mediators, and hemodynamic adaptations enhance blood-brain barrier penetration. These findings position resistance training and nanocurcumin as a novel non-pharmacological adjuvant strategy to potentiate conventional glioma therapies by leveraging systemic physiological communication.

Abstract This study examined the acute hormonal and myokine responses to traditional and circuit resistance training in young males with distinct BMI-based groups. Twenty sedentary men aged 20–30 years were classified as high-BMI (BMI >29.9) or low-BMI (BMI <18.5). Each participant completed both traditional resistance training (TRT) and circuit resistance training (CRT) protocols in a crossover design, with a one-week washout period. Sessions included multi-joint upper and lower body exercises at comparable intensities. Blood samples were taken immediately before and after each session. Serum levels of testosterone, cortisol, myostatin, and follistatin were assessed using ELISA kits. A repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare within- and between-group changes across time and training modality. Baseline cortisol levels were significantly higher in low-BMI individuals (P=0.037), while testosterone levels showed no initial difference between groups (P>0.05). Post-TRT, testosterone levels increased significantly in high-BMI individuals compared to low-BMI individuals (P=0.017), with both training types elevating testosterone and cortisol across all participants (P<0.05). CRT led to a significant reduction in myostatin and increase in follistatin in high-BMI individuals (P<0.05), while only follistatin increased significantly in low-BMI individuals after TRT (P<0.05). These results suggest that CRT promotes superior anabolic signaling in high-BMI individuals, while TRT is more effective at enhancing testosterone response. Myokine and hormonal responses appear to be body-type-dependent and training-modality-specific. Practitioners designing hypertrophy-focused programs should tailor training protocols to the athlete’s BMI-based group to optimize muscle adaptation and endocrine outcomes. And also, trainers should individualize hypertrophy programs based on body composition to optimize both hormonal responses and muscle adaptation.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of eight weeks of resistance, continuous endurance, and interval endurance training on Dectin-1 and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 levels in overweight women. A total of 40 women, aged between 25 and 35 years with a body mass index (BMI) ranging from 25 to 30 kg/m², voluntarily participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: resistance training (n = 10), continuous endurance training (n = 10), interval endurance training (n = 10), and a non-training control group (n = 10). The intervention consisted of three exercise sessions per week over an eight-week period, following structured and group-specific training protocols. Results indicated that all three exercise modalities—resistance, continuous endurance, and interval training— significantly altered Dectin-1 and GLP-1 levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Among the training groups, continuous endurance training elicited the greatest reduction in Dectin-1 levels, followed by interval training and then resistance training. However, post hoc analysis revealed no significant difference between resistance and interval training groups for either biomarker. Similarly, GLP-1 levels increased most prominently in the continuous endurance group, followed by the interval and resistance training groups, again with no significant difference between the latter two. In summary, the findings suggest that all three forms of exercise contributed to favorable changes in Dectin-1 and GLP-1 among overweight women. Nonetheless, the magnitude of these changes appears to be influenced by the type and possibly the intensity of the training stimulus, with continuous endurance training demonstrating the most pronounced effects.

Abstract The purpose of this research is to determine the effect of different methods of resistance training on diabetes in men with type 2 diabetes. This is a semi-experimental and practical study. Forty-four subjects with type 2 diabetes, randomly divided to 4 groups. The three experimental groups of 11, 11, and 12 people and a control group of 10 people, were performed the pre-test and post-test of after 12 weeks of training intervention under high intensity, moderate intensity and low intensity programs. The research variables were glucose, insulin, adiponectin, insulin resistance and glycated hemoglobin. ELISA kit was used to test adiponectin. For analyzing the data, one-way ANOVA statistical test of gain scores and LSD post hoc test was used. All tree Exercise protocols had a positive effect and caused a significant decrease in glucose (P>0.001), insulin (P>0.001), insulin resistance (P>0.001), adiponectin (P>0.001) and serum HbA1C (P>0.001), which had a significant difference with the control group (P>0.05). But there was no difference between the three training groups. Calculating the effect size on the serum factors of diabetes showed that the low intensity had the greatest effect on insulin (ES = 1.11), insulin resistance (ES = 1.39) and HbA1C (ES = 2.05), while glucose (ES = 1.09) and adiponectin (ES = 0.38) were affected more by high intensity. According to the effect sizes, it is recommended to clinician to prescribe high intensity programs to reduce glucose and low intensity programs to improve insulin, insulin resistance and serum HbA1C in type 2 diabetic male patients.

Abstract Primary objective of this study was to examine the interplay between grip strength, a functional marker of hypertrophy, and its connection to the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio in the gut microbiome. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups using a computerized randomizer: old and young control groups (OC, YC), old resistance training group (OR), old supplement group (OS), and old resistance training combined with supplement group (ORS). Rats in the OR and ORS cohorts underwent eight weeks of ladder-climbing resistance training three times a week, while those in the OS group were given supplements 5 times per week after the intervention. Muscle samples were collected from all rats two days’ post-intervention. FOXO1, BAX, and cytochrome C, were assessed using PCR-real time. Analysis of the data was carried out using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey testing. The results revealed a decrease in FOXO1 and apoptotic gene expression post-intervention, with a more pronounced reduction observed in the ORS group compared to the other groups (p<0.05). Notably, supplementation alone did not impact FOXO1 expression, akin to the effect of exercise on cytochrome C. A moderate negative correlation was documented between the F/B ratio and grip strength (p= 0.003; r= -0.54). Additionally, positive and moderate correlations were observed between FOXO1, BAX, cytochrome C, and the F/B ratio (p<0.05). These findings emphasize a functional association between the gut microbiome and muscle through their metabolites, indicating mutual regulation. Furthermore, it is suggested that exercise and supplements may further enhance these interconnected mechanisms.

Abstract Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive malignant brain tumor with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential effects of resistance training (RT) on the expression relationship between interleukin-6 (IL-6) from skeletal muscle and its interaction with Cathepsin B and Fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5) in the hippocampus of rats with GBM. To investigate the role of RT in GBM, we conducted a study using a rat model. By conducting a 4-week RT intervention (three days/week, 30 to 100% of body weight, 3 sets with 4 repetitions/session) and analyzing the expression levels of gastrocnemius muscle IL-6, hippocampal Cathepsin B, and FNDC5, we aimed to shed light on the potential impact of this RT modality on GBM progression. The results showed that GBM induced a significant decrease in gastrocnemius muscle IL-6, hippocampal FNDC5, and Cathepsin B gene expressions that were adjusted by RT. It means that there are significant increases in the GBM+RT group when compared to GBM. There were significant and positive correlations between variables (gastrocnemius muscle IL-6, hippocampal FNDC5, and hippocampal Cathepsin B gene expressions) which led to tissue crosstalk. In conclusion, this study contributes to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with GBM, revealing potential avenues for future therapeutic interventions. RT may serve as a promising approach to modulate the expression relationship between IL-6, Cathepsin B, and FNDC5, offering a potential strategy for improving outcomes in GBM.

Abstract Training is one of the most effective therapy options for improving the control of type 2 diabetes. FGF21 (fibroblast growth factor) has been identified as a novel metabolic regulating factor with substantial anti-diabetic effects in animal models and humans. The goal of this study was to investigate how four weeks of aerobic and resistance exercise affected fasting blood glucose (FBS) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels in the cardiac tissue of male Wistar rats with diabetes. In this study, 24 male Wistar rats aged 10 to 12 weeks and weighing 200250 grams were made diabetic with STZ and separated into three groups: diabetes + aerobic exercise (n=6), diabetes + resistance training (n=6), and sham (n=6) and healthy (n=6) were divided. The training lasted four weeks, with the aerobic group working out five days per week and the resistance group working out six days per week. Blood samples and cardiac tissue were collected for analysis before and after 48 hours of the previous exercise and 12 hours of fasting. To conduct statistical analysis, the SPSS version 26 program was employed. We saw an increase in FGF21 in the training groups compared to the sham group, which was significant in the resistance training group (p=0.008) and also in the healthy group (p=0.02). The results showed that resistance trainings can have a bigger influence on sugar indicators and anti-diabetic cardiac factors like FGF21, and will play an effective role in minimizing the consequences of diabetes.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the combined effect of prolonged whey protein supplementation and resistance training on the expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) gene, the weight of the Gastrocnemius muscle and One-repetition maximum in young male Wistar rats. In this study, twenty-one young male Wistar rats, aged eight weeks and weighing between 200 to 250 grams, were randomly assigned to four groups: training (T), supplementary training (ST), Sham (Sh), and control (C). The resistance training program was conducted for six weeks, five days a week, with the training intensity increasing from 50 to 100% of the rats' body weight. The rats receiving the whey supplement via the gavage method based on their body weight, using whey production by ON company. Forty-eight hours after the final training session, the quadriceps muscles of the rats were extracted and the expression level of the IGF-1 gene was evaluated using the Real-Time PCR method. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way variance test and Scheffe's test. The results showed that the training -supplement group exhibited a significant increase in IGF-1 expression compared to the Sham group (P˂0.05). Moreover, the weight of the Gastrocnemius muscle of rats and also One-repetition maximum in the training-supplement group significantly increased compared to the training, sham, and control groups (P˂0.05). The findings suggest that the concomitant use of resistance training and whey protein supplementation has a synergistic effect on IGF-1 gene expression in skeletal muscle, which may contribute to enhanced muscle hypertrophy and One-repetition maximum.

Abstract Fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) is directly associated with increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The purpose of current study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of resistance training (RT) on FTO expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue, glucose, and insulin levels in T2DM rats. Sixteen males Wistar rats (220±10 gr) with T2DM induced by streptozotocin-nicotinamide injection were randomly assigned into resistance training (RT; n=8) and control (Con; n=8) groups. RT was performed for 12 weeks, 5 days per week. FTO expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue, fasting blood glucose (FBS), insulin and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured 48 hours after the last exercise training session.   After the exercise training intervention, the FTO expression (p=0.004) and FBS (p=0.001) were significantly lower in the RT compared to the Con group while the insulin in the RT was significantly higher than that in the Con group (p=0.001). There was no significant difference in the insulin resistance between the two groups (p˃0.05). According to findings, it seems that RT can decrease FBS and FTO expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue of T2DM rats. Improved blood glucose in diabetic rats might be partially attributed to reduced FTO expression in response to RT.   

Abstract Dear Editor-in-Chief
The world has recently experienced one of the hardest pandemics, COVID-19. Clinical signs of this disease include fever, dry cough, and diarrhea, or different symptoms that lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome with a further increase in the severity of the disease. Although the first observations of this disease are the involvement of symptoms and respiratory and heart injuries, various studies have also shown the nerve damage caused by this disease. Common neurological symptoms include headache, dizziness, anosmia, seizures, or paralysis. The elderly and critically ill are in the high-risk group and have shown severe neurological symptoms after COVID-19. Apart from COVID-19-induced cellular and neurological damage, this disease has a profound effect on the mental health of people around the world. Increasing the duration of this disease and staying at home causes social and economic problems and as a result mental health problems (Verma et al., 2020). Neurological and mental illnesses are very common all over the world.
Psychological resilience was an important issue during COVID-19 epidemic. In other words, during an epidemic, mental health of people should be consider and cheeked, and entertainment programs should be prevented from causing psychological damage. Research during the COVID-19 epidemic found that because of the psychological pressures to increase psychological resilience, people tended to be more exposed to the outdoors, exercise more, receive more social support from family, friends and important people, sleep better, and pray more, that these factors were effective in mitigating psychological trauma. In most studies, spiritual health affects mental health, because repeated prayers and worships have been more independently associated with psychological resilience (Killgore et al., 2020). In other words, those who actively participate in these spiritual activities and strengthen their relationship with God are found to have the most psychological resilience to the mental health challenges imposed by COVID-19. In addition, the effects of exercise at the cellular level can help improve memory and psyche and be effective in improving psychological resilience. To date, no studies have been performed on secretions due to muscle contraction and its effect on the brain and psychological function, and psychological resilience especially to control the psychological damage caused by an epidemic.
Exercise has many beneficial effects on brain health and helps reduce the risks of dementia, depression, and stress, and is involved in restoring and maintaining cognitive function and metabolic control. The fact that exercise is sensed by the brain suggests that environmental factors induced by the muscle allow a direct link between muscle function and the brain. Muscles secrete myokines that help regulate hippocampal function. Evidence is accumulating that myokine cathepsin B crosses the blood-brain barrier to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor production, resulting in neurogenesis, memory, and learning. In addition, the muscle tissue itself can affect the central nervous system, memory, and psyche in form of endocrine by increasing BDNF expression. Exercise also increases the expression of the neurogenic gene FNDC5 (which encodes myogenic FNDC5-dependent PGC1α), which in turn can help increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Pedersen, 2019).
Serum levels of myokine, IL-6, increase with exercise and may have beneficial effects on the central nervous system. Exercise also increases PGC1α-dependent muscle expression and the enzymes kynurenine aminotransferase, which beneficially alters the balance between the neurotoxic kynurenine and the neuroprotective Kynurenic acid, thereby reducing depressive symptoms. Signaling myokine and other muscle factors and exercise-induced hepatokines and adipokines play a role in the beneficial effects of exercise on neurogenesis, cognitive function, appetite, and metabolism, thus supporting the existence of a muscle-brain endocrine axis. Also, it can affect psychological resilience which needs more studies.

Abstract Physical fitness and psychosocial health might improve through resistance training programs. However, there has been controversy regarding the efficacy of different exercise programs. Therefore, this study attempted to compare the effect of 8-week resistance training with linear and undulating programming on physical fitness and mental health. Twenty-nine healthy and untrained students (age: 16.06±0.83) were randomly divided into three groups: (1) control (n= 6), (2) linear programmed resistance training (LPRT) (n= 12), and (3) undulating programmed resistance training (UPRT) (n= 11). After two weeks of familiarization, 1RM (one-maximum repetition) values were obtained. Thereafter, experimental groups attended a resistance training program of 3 sessions/week (lasted 60 min each) for 8 weeks. Both groups had a similar plan until the fourth week. Then, intensity increased up to 70% of 1RM on a weekly basis for the LPRT group, and varied on a daily basis for the UPRT group. Upper- and lower-extremities strength and endurance, balance, speed, explosive-power, lean body mass, general mental health (GSQ) and physical self-concept (PSCQ) were measured. Experimental groups produced significant improvements in physical outcomes, in comparison with the control group. There were no improvements in GSQ and PSCQ. There were no statistically significant differences between the two programs. Both linear and undulating programs improved physical fitness of previously sedentary adolescent males to a similar extent. For practical purposes, as long as loads are individually adjusted, the type of program may not be relevant in beginner practitioners. Furthermore, both models were ineffective in producing changes in the psychosocial variables.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of two methods of resistance training TRX and traditional resistance on the response of some indicators of muscle damage in soccer players. The present study was a semi-experimental; therefore, 36 participants with mean age of 19/36±1/4 were voluntarily selected and assigned to two groups of TRX and traditional resistance training. The training program for both groups consisted of several joint movements, these movements in 2 sets, with 8 repetitions in to isometric form, and the duration of muscle tension in each movement was 20 seconds. Both groups were evaluated by biochemical, physical and anthropometric measurements in two stages of pre-test and post-test. Data analysis was done using independent sample t-test and paired sample t-test with the significant level of 0.05 (p≤0.05). Serum creatine kinase levels showed a significant increase in traditional resistance training group 54.01% (p=0.001) and in the TRX training group 58.19% (p=0.003). Serum lactate dehydrogenase levels increased significantly as the result of traditional resistance training (p=0.033) while Aspartate aminotransferase did not show any significant changes from pre-test to post-test in the experimental groups. Moreover, the results of the present study showed that there was no significant difference in the changes observed in the indices of muscle damage between a traditional training and TRX training. Therefore, performing TRX or traditional training is not improving muscle injury during training.

Abstract It has been proven that strenuous endurance training increases oxidative stress in body. This study investigated the effects of curcumin supplementation and light resistance training during 8 weeks of endurance training on muscle and serum antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation of male wistar rats. 44 male Wistar rats (weight: 254.31±17.72 g and age: 8 weeks) were randomly divided to 6 groups; Control (n=6, sham), Curcumin (n=6), Endurance (n=8), Endurance-curcumin (n=8), Endurance-Resistance (n=8), and Endurance-curcumin-resistance (n=8). Endurance training performed on rodent treadmill for 8 weeks and 5 sessions a week. The speed and duration of running were 10 m/min and 30 min at first week. The intensity and duration reached to the 35 m/min and 70 min up to the last week. Resistance training (8 weeks, 2 sessions / week) performed on vertical ladder (with 30-70% BW). The animals received curcumin supplement by sub peritoneal injection (8 weeks, 3 sessions / week, 30 mg/kg.Bw). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity was measured by Elisa kit and Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS).  The results of this study showed that strenuous endurance training (p<0.05) reduces the serum levels of SOD significantly, and caused a significant increase in the lipid peroxidation (MDA in muscle and serum). Curcumin supplementation and light resistance training could increase antioxidant enzymes activity (SOD) and decrease the MDA levels. The prolonged strenuous endurance training can induce oxidative stress and curcumin supplementation along with light resistance training could restore antioxidant enzymes activity and decrease the MDA levels.