Acute growth hormone response lo low-intensify
KAATSU resislclnce exercise: Compclrison between clrm
clncJ leg
Y. Sclb, A. Yoshilomi′ T. Abe
Inf. J. KAATSU TroJ'nJ'ng Res. 2005,･ 1 : 45-50
Exercise is cI POIenl slimulus fo GH secretion. Howeyer iI is uncleclr if exercise-induced GH relec'se
differs between different muscle groups′ i.e., clrm Clnd kg exercise′ when performecl cll equiyc'lenl
exercise inlensi叶. The purpose of this study WCIS fo compclre the GH responses lo on cICUte resisfclnCe
exercise/ Combined with reslriclion of muscuJqr venous blood now (KAATSUいn muscle groups of the
qrm ond leg. Fiye young mQle subiecls performed twoサpes of exercise lesls′ orm clnd leg exercise/
on sepQrOIe days. The inlensiサof exercise WCIS 20% 0日-RJ^, which WCIS meqSUred CII lecISI l week
before the experiment. The exIerncll reslriclion pressure during the KAATSU exercise WCIS Selected
50% higher Ihc.n ecICh mecISUred-orm ond esIimc'Ied-leg syslolic blood pressure. Venous blood
sc,mples were oblc.ined prior lo the slqrf oF exercise′ immediclfely post exercise′ Cnd 1 5- C'nd 60-min
Correspondence fo:
cIFIer exercise′ clnd blood lcICIole (LA)′ growth hormone (GH)′ norcldrenQline (NA)′ hemcllocrif,
Y Sc.fo, DepclrbTtenf of
qlbumin c･nd Nc./K concenlrc･Iions were mec･sured. Signifkcnl eJeyqIions were cIPPClrent immedicllely
lschemic Circuldlory
Physiology, The Uniyersity of
post clnd 1 5-min clfrer exercise for LA clnd clI immedicIIely post, 1 5- clnd 60-min clber exercise for GH
Tokyo, 7-31l Hongo, Bunkyo-
in both clrm Ond Ieg exercise. Significclnt eJeycllion wcls clIso observed clfrer exercise for NA in both
ku, Tokyo l l 3-0033, Jqpcln
orm qnd leg, but leg exercise resulted in c'grecIIer increcISe in NA Ihcln qrm QI immedicIIely post
i nfo@scIIosporIs J=0 , ip
See end of cITlicle for
cluIhor'clfFili｡Iions
exercise. ChcLnge in plcISmO YOIume clker exercise WCIS no† differenl between two exercises. These
results suggest Ihc.I GH secrefory responses lo exercise mcly be similor between the c'rm clnd leg when
performed cll equiyclIenI exercise intensity clnd reslrklion stimulus.
Key words: resislclnCe lrclining, growth hormone′ yenous b一ood flow reslriclion′ norqdrenclline
l NTRODUCTtON
KAATSU-induced GH secretion′ such as muscle
It is well established that secretion of human
metabolic demands and hypoxia. Although the
growth hormone (GH) is stimulated by physical
exercise and that exercise-induced increases in
precise mechanism is not fully understood′
drculating GH might mediate some of the anabolic
from working muscle seem to play an important role
in stimulation of KAATSU-induced GH release
adaptations induced by exercise′ such as muscle
Sympathetic nerve signals sent by metabolic receptors
hypertrophy′ bone mineralization′ and local
lTakarada etal., 2000; Tdkano etal.′ 2005]. When
angiogenesis [Cuneo et a1., 1991; Kelly et al.′ 19901.
the activation of chemoreceptors during exerdse is
Since exercise-induced GH secretion is, however,
proportional to the exercise intensity per unit of
related to exerdseintensityina linear dose-response
muscle mass′ serum GH responses to acute exerdse
lPritzlaff etal., 1999; Schmidt et a1., 2004], it would
differ between musde groups of different size. In this
seem likely that there would be a greater GH
line, GH responses to acute exercise may be greater
response after higherintensity physicalexercise. In
during lower body exerdse when compared to the
linewiththis observation, lowintensity (i.e., regular
upper body exerdse.
life-style physical activity, 10-20% exerdseintensity)
exercise rarely results in increased serum GH
concentrations lFelsing et a1., 1992]. However, low-
that greater increases in serum GH concentration
intensity (∼20% exerdse intensity) exerdse′ when
血an血ose obseⅣed du血g leg exerdses perfomed at
combinedwith restriction of venous blood flow from
A previousstudy lKodowski et al.′ 1983] reported
accompanied arm (smaller muscle group) exercise
equivalent oxygen uptake. However,inthat study,
the working muscle (lWTSU exercise), has been
theintensity of their am exerdse was not similar to
reported to substantially Increase Serum GH
leg exercise when performed at the same absolute
concentrations lAbe et a1., 2005b,･ Takarada et al.,
oxygen uptake, Since peak oxygen uptake during arm
2000; Takano etal., 2005].
exercise is 30% lower when comparedwith leg
A variety of factors are thought to influence the
exerdse, resultingina higher exerdseintensity for
Acute GH response b KAATSU exercise: Compclrison between orm Cnd leg
46
the am exerdse. Therefore, it is not clear whether
Blood sqmpling c]nd biochemiccd cmcllysis
resistive exerdse combinedwith orwithout KAATSU
Venous blood samples were obtained prior to the
would produce differencesinGH secretion between
am and leg exerdse perfomed at the same exerdse
intensity. Thus, the pulpOSe Ofthe present study was
start of exercise, immediately post exercise, and I 5-
to compare the GH responses to acute KAATSU
resistance exercise in either arm or leg muscle
portable analyzer (Lactate Pro, Arkray, Kyoto, Japan) I
Serum GH concentration was measured with a
eXerCISe.
and 601min after exercise. Blood lactate
concentrations (LA) Were determined using a
commercially available radioimmunoassay (S.R.L
Incり Tokyo′ Japan). Plasma noradrenaline
SUBJECTS clnd州ETHODS
concentration was measured by means of high-
Subiecls
performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with
Five recreational1y active male volunteers aged 2428 years (26.0 ± 1.8 years) wi血a body mass index of
electrochemiCaldetection. Hematocrit was measured
induplicate bymicrocentrifugation. Serum albumin
23.6 ± 1.1 kg/m2 were studied. None of the subjects
and Na/K concentrations were also measured by
had any history of relevant medical illness or were
bromcresol purple and by ion-selective electrodes′
taking medication.All subjects wereinformed of the
respedvely. Relative change in plasma volume was
procedures′ risks′ and benefits′ and signed an
calculated in accordance with a previous formula
informed consent document before participation.
(van Beaumont et alり1973).
The Tokyo Metropolitan Urdversity Ethics Cormittee
for Human Experiments approved the study.
SIclfiSliccII cncllyses
Experimentcll design clnd exercise probcols
deviation (SD) for all variables. The effects of am
Results are expressed as means ± standard
The subjects partidpated in two types of exerdse
lWTSU-exercise compared to leg KAATSU-exerdse
tests on separate dayswithina week interval: 1) arm
on changes in blood parameters over time (exerdse
exercise (arm curl and triceps press down)′ 2) leg
and post-exerdse time) were tested by a two-fador
exercise (squat and leg curl). All tests were
ANOVA for repeated measurements. Further analysis
performed after a 4 h hstinthe aflemoon.Alter 30
used Student's paired t-test if theinteraction, time x
min of rest, pre-testing blood samples were collected.
group′ was sigrdcant. Statistical significance was set
The subjects then performed 30 repetitions of armor
at P<0.05.
leg exercise of 20% of a p∫e-determined 1-RM.
perfomed three sets of 15 repetitions′ with each set
RESU LTS
Blood lclclc]le, norc]drenclline ｡nd growth
and exerdse separated by 30 sec rest period.
hormone
Resfriclion of muscuhr yenous blood flow by
for blood LA (P<0.001, Fig.1) and serum GH
Followlng a 30 see rest period, the subjects then
A sigmificant maineffect for time was determined
KAATS U
A method for indudng the restridion of muscular
(P<0.001, Fig. 3). Post hocanalysesindicated that for
the two variables′ slgnificant elevations were
venous blood now has been previously reported lAbe
apparent immediately post and 1 5-mina丑er exercise
et al. 2005a]. Briefly, the subject wore an air pressure
for LA and at immediately post, 1 5- and 601minafter
belt (30 mmwide for the armand 45 rrmwide for
leg, Kaatsu Master, Sato Sports Plaza, Tokyo, Japan)
exercise for GH in both arm and leg KAATSUexercise. A signiRcant group x timeinteraction was
placed around the most proximal portion on both
arms or on both legs during the corresponding
Post hoe analyses indicated that leg KAATSU-exercise
exerdse. Resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) of the
arm(at heart level) was measured using an automatic
sphygmomanometer (Fit Cuff, Omron, Tokyo,
observed for plasma noradrenaline (P<0.001, Fig. 2).
resulted in a slgnificantly greater increase in
noradrenaline levels when compared to arm
lWTSU-exerdse immediately post exerdse.
Japan)′ and SちP of the leg was estimated as follow:
leg SBP = 120% of arm SBP. The extemal restriction
pressure was selected 50% higher than each of the
SBP, i.C.′ 190 mmHg for arm and 230 mmHg for leg,
P(】rclmeTers of plcISmCI YO-ume chclnge
A sigmincant maineffect for time was observed for
limbgirth (P<0.001)and hematocrit (P<0.001, Table
when am SBP is l25 mmHg. Restriction of musde
1). Post hoc analyses indicated that upper-am and
blood flow was maintained for the entire exercise
thighgirths wereincreased immediately post, and I 51
session, including the rest periods. The belt pressure
and 60-min after exercise. AIso′ hematocrit was
was then released immediately upon completion of
elevated immediately post exercise followlng both
the session.
trialS′ and I 5-mina允er exerdse during armKAATSUexerdse. A sigmi丘cant group x timeinteraction was
observed for serumalbumin concentration (P=0.037),
47
Y. ScIIo′ A. Yosh汁omi, T, Abe
1 1
2 0 8
(l＼tOtHu)at ZTUtZTpO t円
ノb 4
(ノ】
pre
post
after
1
5 after60
FigtJre 1. Blood lactate concentrationsinresponse to acute lowintensity resistance exercise combined with KAATSU. Significant
differences from pre-exerdse, ** p < 0.01.
(t HJgu)au!TtmaJPtZJOtl ?uSPTd
LJ'ノ O LJ.1
2 2 1
pre
post
after
1
5 after60
Figure 2. Plasma noradrenaline concentrationsinresponse to acute
low-intensity resistance exercise combined with KAATSU.
SigniBcant differences from pre-exercise′ * p < 0.05, ''p < 0.01,
SigniBcant difference between armand leg exercise′ † P < 0.01.
Acute GH response to KAuATSU exercise: Compclrison between clrm ClnCl leg
48
Tclble 1. Limbgirth′ hematocrit′albu血l and Na/K concentrationsinresponse to acute low-
intensity resistance exerdse combinedwithlWTSU
Pre
Post 1
5
1min 60
-min
Arm
Upper arm girth (cm)
30.0(1.4) 32.2 (1.9)†31.8(1.6)†31.1 (1.6)千
Hematocrit ( % )
43.5 (0.7) 49.5 (1.2)†45.6 (1.ラ)* 44.0 (0.5)
Na (m】∃q/L)
141 (2) 142 (ラ) 140 (2) 141 (2)
K (m】∃q/L)
4.5(0.4) 3.9(0.ラ) 3.9(0.2) 4,4(0.5)
Albumin (g/dl)
5_I(0.4) 5.9(0.3)i' 5.2(0.3) 4.9(0.2)
Leg
Thigh girth (cm)
56.0 (2.7) 58.0 (2.7)† 57.2 (2.5)千 56.9 (2.5)†
Hematocrit (%)
44.9 (1.2) 49.7 (1.1)†46.4 (2.2) 44.9 (0.9)
Na (mEq/L)
K (mEq/1)
4.1(0.3) 3.9(0.4) 4.0(0.7) 4.5(0.6)
Albumin (g/dl)
5.1(0.2) 5.7(0.2)† 5.4(0.1)* 5.0(0.2)
141
(2) 144(3) 142
(2) 141
(1)
Significant differences from pre-exercise, 'p<0.05 †P<0.01
(tuJgu)auouJOq t臣OJStXmJaS
つつ つつ LJ1 0
LP. nU
2 つム
0
pre
post
after
lう after60
Figure 3. Serum growthhormpne concentrationsinresponse to acute
low-intensity resistance exercise combined with KAATSU. Significant
differences from pre-exerdse′ * p < 0.05 ** p < 0.01.
however a post hoc analyses showed no significant
exerdse. Our丘ndings demonstrated that the notable
differences over time. Relative change in plasma
volume after exerdse was not significantly different
increases in serum GH response to resistive exerdse
with KAATSU was observed in both arm and leg
between am (-21%) and leg卜17%) exerdse.
exercise. Furthermore, there was no significant
DISCUSStON
difference between the muscle groups in GH
response. In addition, the magnitude onheincreases
It is Weu known that exerdse is a potent stimulus
imam and leg exerdse was consistentwith previous
for GH secretion′ especially high-intensity exerdse.
IWTSU studies [Takarada etal., 2000; Takano et a1.,
However, it is not clear whether exerdse-induced GH
2005]. h contrast′ a previous study 【Kozlowski et al.′
release differs between upper-body and lower-body
1983] reported a greater increase in plasma GH
49
Y. Sclb′ A. Yoshilomi′ T. Abe
Concentration following arm exercise when
previous reports [Giustina and Veldhuis′ 1998;
compared to leg exercise performed at equlValent
Weltman et al.′ 2000】′ but at the same time, support
absolute oxygen uptake. However,inthat study, the
the concept that theincrease in plasma noradrenaline
relative exercise intensity for the arm was higher
after exerdse depends on the size of the muscle mass
compared with leg exercise′ since peak oxygen
utilized [Seals and Victor′ 1991】. It is clear that
uptake du血g am exerdse is 30% lower than that of
further studies are needed to clarify the basic
leg exerdse lSanada et a1., 2005]. In fact′ Kozlowski
mechanisms of GH release that is stimulated by arm
and colleagues (1983) reported a greaterincreasein
or leg KAArSU exerdse.
heart rate and blood lactate concentration du血g and
In conclusion, there were no sigmi丘cant difference
after血e am exerdse compared with those of the leg
in serum GH concentrations fouowing arm and leg
exercise. Therefore the difference in exercise
intensity between the armand leg exerdse, and not
KAATSU exercise. These results suggest that
exercise-induced GH secretion may be similar
any int血sic difference between muscle groups per
between the arm and leg exercise performed at
se′ may be the reason for the larger GH response in
equivalent exerciseintensity and restriction stimulus.
am exerdse. h me present study. usmg an exerdse
intensity of 20% of I-RM and a restriction stimulus
of 150% of resting systolic blood pressure to the
Referent:eS
working musde resultedinsiユldar GH responses for
Abe T, YosUdcI T,仙dorikcIWCI T, ScIIo Y, KeclrnS CF, lnoue K, Koizumi
both the arm and leg exerdse. Our results suggest
that the GH secretory responses to exerdse may be
K, Ash-li N (2005cl) SkeletcIl muscle size clnd circUlclIing lGF-1 ore
increcISed clber Two weeks oF twice dclily 〝KAATSU〝 resistclnCe lrclining.
similar between musde groups of different size when
lnfJ KAATSU Trclining Res 1 : all 2.
perfomed at equlValent exerdse intensity.
Abe T′ KeclrnS CF, Scllo Y′ YoshH･omi A (2005b) Acute hormoncll
In the present study, We found that post exerdse
responses to reslricIion oHeg muscle blood flow during wcllking
blood lactate concentrations were similar between
(AbsfrcICl). 川ed Sci Sports Exerc 37: Sl 08.
arm and leg exercise with KAATSU. These results
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suggest that blood lactate could serve as a marker for
exercise-induced GH release, Since there was a similar
increaseinGH observed after exercise. However, a
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GH.
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