Resistance Training and Skeletal Muscle Protein Metabolism in Eumenorrheic Females: Current Evidence and Practical Implications

Background: Resistance training is essential for health and performance, conferring numerous benefits including increased skeletal muscle mass, enhanced strength and power output, and improved metabolic health. Despite being a major component of physical activity guidelines, research specifically examining resistance training responses in female populations remains limited. Recent increases in female participation in sport and exercise highlight the urgent need for evidence-based best practice exercise prescription for females. Understanding the influence of hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle and oral contraception use on resistance training outcomes is critical for optimizing training recommendations. Methods: This comprehensive review synthesizes current research regarding resistance training performance and skeletal muscle adaptation in females, with particular focus on hormonal variables that may influence training outcomes. Evidence from studies examining menstrual cycle phase effects, oral contraception use, and their interactions with resistance training responses is critically evaluated. Recommendations for researchers and practitioners are developed based on the current evidence base. Results: Menstrual cycle phase may impact strength outcomes but appears not to influence skeletal muscle protein metabolism. Oral contraception use in females may reduce skeletal muscle protein synthesis compared to non-users, though strength outcomes appear unaffected. Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding resistance training effects on skeletal muscle protein metabolism during pregnancy, menopause, and in athletes experiencing relative energy deficiency in sport. Methodological heterogeneity across studies limits definitive conclusions and highlights the need for standardized approaches. Conclusion: For researchers, appropriate methods for controlling for or understanding the implications of hormonal fluctuations are recommended to facilitate inclusion of female participants in resistance training research. For practitioners, current evidence suggests possible resistance training practices that could optimize performance outcomes in females, though individualized approaches accounting for hormonal status are advised. Future research should prioritize investigating resistance training responses across different life stages and hormonal contexts to inform evidence-based prescription.

کلیدواژه ها:

Resistance training ، Skeletal muscle ، Protein metabolism ، Menstrual cycle ، Oral contraception ، Female athletes