Resistance Training Endocrine Response describes the acute and chronic changes in the secretion and action of regulatory hormones that occur as a direct result of engaging in structured exercise that involves muscular contraction against an external load. The acute response includes transient, significant elevations in anabolic hormones, such as testosterone, growth hormone, and cortisol, immediately following a session, which mediate signaling for repair and adaptation. The chronic response is characterized by long-term improvements in baseline hormone sensitivity and receptor density in target tissues, leading to sustained gains in muscle mass and bone density.
Origin
This term is a direct combination of the exercise science concept “Resistance Training” and the medical field of “Endocrine Response.” The scientific study of the hormonal changes induced by lifting weights began in earnest in the late 20th century, seeking to understand the physiological drivers of muscular hypertrophy and strength gains. This research confirmed the role of the endocrine system as a key mediator of training adaptation. The term reflects the physiological impact of mechanical loading.
Mechanism
The acute mechanism is triggered by the metabolic stress, muscle damage, and neural activation inherent in intense resistance exercise, which signals the hypothalamic-pituitary axis to release trophic hormones. Growth hormone and IGF-1 are released to promote amino acid uptake and protein synthesis, while testosterone acts to modulate gene expression for contractile protein accretion. Crucially, the local inflammatory and mechanical signals within the muscle itself, independent of systemic hormone changes, also activate intracellular anabolic pathways like mTOR, driving muscle protein synthesis.
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