Sex difference in the response to resistance exercise: a comprehensive neuro-muscular approach
Description: Given the importance of muscle strength not only in sport performance for athletes but also in daily activities for the general - including clinical - population and the general lack of data in men and women, we here aim at comparing the neural, intramuscular and systemic adaptations in men and women in response to acute and chronic heavy resistance exercise, considering the critical period of the menopause. The specific aims will test the hypotheses that 1) the neural response to resistance exercise, including corticospinal excitability and motor unit activation pattern, differs between men and women; 2) the hormonal response and exosome release to resistance exercise are reduced in women compared to men; 3) the menopause modulates the neural and intramuscular responses to acute and chronic resistance training. To fulfill those aims, two interventional studies will be carried out to compare men and women or pre- and post-menopausal women. The participants (n=15/group) will follow a supervised resistance training program for 12 weeks. Knee extensor neuromuscular function, maximal strength, body composition, muscular adaptations as well as blood exosome, hormonal and metabolic profile will be determined before and after one single resistance exercise session and after the whole training period. This protocol will allow the determination of acute and long-term effects of resistance training on neural and contractile properties, exosome release and content as well as detailed molecular and systemic adaptations. The project aims at better understanding the mechanisms by which resistance training, a non-drug-based and inexpensive strategy, may induce different adaptations in men and women and if so, to contribute to the development of sex-based recommendations to maximize the health benefits from resistance training, before and after menopause.
Amount: CHF 339,200
Funding type: research
Funder scheme: Project funding
Start date: 2025-08-01
End date: 2029-07-31
Investigator: Place, Nicolas
Institution: University of Lausanne – LA
Funded outputs count: 0
Funder award ID: 229960
OpenAlex ID: G5591494611