Resistance Training between Low and High Intensities on Oxidative Stress, Creatine Kinase and Muscle Pain in Sedentary Males: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of initial 1-week resistive weight training between 50% and 80% of 1repetitive maximum (1 RM) on oxidative stress, creatine kinase (CK), and muscle pain. Thirty sedentary male participants were included and randomized into two groups of 50% and 80% of 1 RM in five cycle stations; machine fly, wide-grip pull down, preacher curl, machine crunch, and leg extension. Oxidative stress parameters, as total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and CK; and muscle pain score were evaluated in three periods, pre, 24 hr post first day of exercise and after 1 week post training. The results showed no statistical difference in TAC, MDA, NO, and CK concentration between the three periods in the 50% of 1 RM group.  Whereas, training in the 80% of 1 RM showed a statistical difference in all parameters at 24 hr post first day of exercise, with significantly lower levels of TAC, NO and higher CK and Pain level score when compared to pre training, whereas the TAC, NO, and muscle pain scoreparameters increased significantly, as same as the CK level after 1 week’s training. Furthermore, pain scores in both groups were significantly higher than those at baseline. However, after 1 week’s weight training at 50% of 1RM, the pain level score became non-significant and returned to almost baseline,except at 80% of 1RM presented significant higher level. Therefore, this study suggested the changes of oxidative stress, muscle injury and muscle pain from initial weight training at 50%and 80% of 1RM.