The Influence of Repetitions Maximum on GH Release

QuantumPositron

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The Influence of Repetitions Maximum on GH Release Following the Back Squat and Leg Press in Trained Men: Preliminary Results
Ho-Youl Kang

Kyungpook National University, Kampo, South Korea
Paul F. Martino, Vincenzo Russo, Jeffrey W. Ryder, and Bruce W. Craig

Human Performance Laboratory, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306

ABSTRACT

This pilot project compared the hGH release patterns of the back squat to the leg press following 3 workloads to determine whether lifting mechanics could influence hormonal output. Subjects, 3 experienced male weight lifters (25.3 ± 0.3 yrs), performed 3 back squat and 3 leg press trials using repetition workloads of 3-, 10-, and 25-RM. Blood samples (3 ml) taken preexercise and at 4, 8, and 16 min postexercise were analyzed for hGH and lactic acid. The hGH response indicates that the 10-RM workload gave the greatest significant hGH output (1.67 µg/L above baseline by 4 min) of the 3 leg press trials, whereas the 25-RM workload of the back squat (1.25 µg/L above pre by 4 min) was the most effective in that lift. Only the 10- and 25-RM workloads produced a significant increase in lactic acid in the back squat or leg press trials. The results indicate that the hGH response to these exercises is not the same, probably due to the mechanics of the lift.

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Commentary: The role of GH in muscle building is uncertain. What is certain is that systemic hormone release from weight lifting has little to no impact on total body hypertrophy (see MS website for referenes). This study could be helpful to someone trying to elicit GH for tendon strengthening or possible fat loss, assuming these methods are effective. I for one was surprised at the results of the study.
 
I wish they had used 5, 10, and 15 reps!!!
Anyway, workload is still King, even though GH release isn't necessarily an indicator of hypertrophy, but as you said in the other thread, how many ways do we have to measure things with?
 
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