The Effect of TRX Suspension Training on PAX7 Muscle Protein Levels and Functional Markers in Elderly Women

Background and Purpose: Aging leads to a reduction in muscle fibers, the number of stem cells, and their regenerative potential Strength training is utilized as a factor to enhance muscle strength and performance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of six weeks of TRX training on paired box 7 (PAX7) protein levels and functional performance indices of upper and lower body strength, flexibility, agility, and cardiorespiratory endurance in elderly women.
Materials and Methods: This applied research utilized a pre-test/post-test design. Thirty-two elderly women (age, 62.5 ± 5.16 years; height,162.60 ± 4.68 cm; weight 73.92 ± 9.29 kg; body mass index, 27.97 ± 3.38 kg/m²) were randomly assigned to either a training group (n = 16) or a control group (n = 16). The training protocol consisted of six weeks of TRX exercises, two sessions per week. Eight exercises, including various rows, assisted squats, biceps curls, chest presses, shoulder presses, squats, triceps extensions, and a squat-biceps curl-row combination, were performed for 50 minutes per session. Six Fullerton functional fitness tests were administered as dependent variables in both the pre-test and post-test. Blood samples were collected 48 hours before the first session and after the last session. PAX7 protein levels were measured using the ELISA method. Following confirmation of data normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test and homogeneity of variance using Leven's test, a one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted using SPSS 26 to test the hypotheses.
Results: Six weeks of TRX resistance training significantly increased PAX7 protein levels in the training group compared to the control group (p= 0.001). Furthermore, the training program significantly improved upper body strength (p = 0.011), upper body flexibility (p = 0.001), lower body flexibility (p = 0.001), agility (p = 0.018), and cardiorespiratory endurance (p = 0.008) in the elderly women. However, six weeks of TRX resistance training did not significantly affect lower body strength (p = 0.479).
Conclusion: Six weeks of TRX training resulted in a significant increase in serum PAX7 protein levels in elderly women and improved functional performance indices of upper body strength, upper and lower body flexibility, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Based on these findings, TRX training can be utilized to enhance functional fitness in elderly individuals. However, given the lack of significant impact on lower body strength and its critical role in preventing falls and improving quality of life, it is recommended to implement a modified protocol with more targeted lower body exercises to enhance lower limb strength, functional capacity, and postural control in elderly populations