Serum Metabolome Signature Response to Different Types of Resistance Training

Pneumatic resistance training (PRT) facilitates a longer time under tension that might lead to greater changes in body composition when compared to traditional resistance training (TRT), possibly enhancing serum metabolite concentrations indicative of healthy metabolic function. To assess the impact of PRT and TRT on muscular strength, body composition, and serum metabolome, 69 men (age: 31.8±7.2 years, height: 179.7±5.4 cm, weight: 81.1±9.9 kg) were randomized into two 10-week intervention groups (PRT:n=24 and TRT:n=24) and one control group (CON:n=21). Serum metabolite concentrations were assessed before and after the training intervention by high-throughput nuclear magnetic resonance. Fat mass and lean mass were obtained by bioimpedance analysis. The training intervention resulted in an increase in lean mass for both PRT (1.85±2.69%; p=0.003) and TRT (2.72±4.53%; p=0.004), while only PRT reduced statistically significantly in body fat percentage (PRT: -5.08±10.76%; p=0.019). Only in PRT and TRT significant increases in small high-density lipoproteins (S-HDL-L) and small HDL particles (S-HDL-P) were observed. When controlling for fat and lean mass, the effects on S-HDL-L/S-HDL-P diminished. Network analysis may suggest that PRT and TRT result in an increase in network connectivity and robustness. It appears that the observed improvements are associated with changes in body composition.