Blood Glucose Response to Unilateral and Bilateral Resistance Training Among Trained Women

Abstract

Exercise selection is one of the crucial factors in designing a comprehensive training program. The exposure of different exercise selection may stimulate the specific adaptation imposed demand. In the construction of any resistance training (RT) program, it is important to choose whether to apply bilaterally (BI) or unilaterally (UNI) exercise. The present study aimed to look into the physiological responses of blood glucose (BG) between UNI and BI RT. The quantitative research method was used, RT (UNI versus BI training) as the independent variables whereas BG set as the dependent variable. In order to measure training effects following a single bout of different training intervention (UNI versus BI), a crossover experimental pre and post-test design were implemented. A total of sixteen (n = 16) trained women with a mean age of 23 (SD = 1.35) years old went through a single bout of RT involved a total body exercise using major muscles group with 80% of 1RM for each protocol (UNI and BI) for 10 repetitions to maximal effort (for 3 sets). Crossover design would be more accurate in exposing different training protocol to a similar characteristic of individuals as compared using different individuals. The results revealed that blood glucose (BG) was statistically changed (p < .001) across times, and finding shows there is no difference between training protocols (p = .39). Based on the results, it would be interesting to observe the blood glucose and/or energy metabolism between UNI versus BI RT during exercise as well as to investigate the relationship between BG and calories expenditure during exercises. Future research on UNI versus BI RT could venture onto other populations such as the untrained women, men population, elderly and specific population such as diabetic population in order to further understand the physiology of human body responded towards exercise. Other types of hormones analysis including insulin, growth hormone, and cortisol can be included. Besides, future research should consider a long run study that involves chronic adaptation of RT on the human body in order to prevent and alleviate disease.