The Effects of Sex Differences on Acute Muscle Protein Synthesis Responses following High-Intensity Interval Training

Musculoskeletal conditions, such as sarcopenia and frailty, have been documented to affect over one billion individuals globally. To address the escalating issues of muscle atrophy, resistance training (RE) has been widely recognized for preserving and enhancing muscle mass. However, individuals nowadays often face time constraints, making it challenging to consistently engage in RE. Considering this, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), a time-efficient exercise regimen, is an attractive alternative for those with demanding schedules. Although emerging evidence indicates that HIIT can modulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS) pathway, research on MPS responses has primarily focused on resistance training, leaving the effects of HIIT on MPS yet to be fully determined. In addition, due to the underrepresentation of females in muscle physiology studies, the effects of HIIT on MPS in women remain poorly understood. Physiological differences in females may influence the dynamics of MPS responses, making it crucial to account for the menstrual cycle when examining post-exercise MPS responses in females. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to determine whether there are sex differences in MPS responses following HIIE. The findings will not only deepen the understanding of HIIT, but also to potentially contribute to the development of sex-specific protein requirements for HIIT.

Faculty Supervisor:

Daniel Moore

Student:

Partner:

National Chung Hsing University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Life Sciences (not health)

University:

University of Toronto

Program: