Introduction: Optimal training outcomes result from appropriate combination of overloading and recovery. The aim of this study was to determine the cumulative effects of endurance training with two protocols, continuous four days and alternate four days within one week, on the expression of selected mRNA and proteins in the pathway of mitochondrial biogenesis.
Method: Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into ten groups: control (C0) and continuous training groups including training for one to four days (C1 to C4), and four days followed by three days recovery (C7), and training on alternate day groups including training for one to four days (A1 to A4, finishing on the 7th day). The endurance time was determined by running on treadmill at slope of 10° and speed of 19.3m/min (~76%VO2max) to exhaustion. The rats were then exercised at 70% of the endurance time for 90 min in training sessions. The gastrocnemius muscle specimens were obtained from the respective groups 1 hour after training. Real-time PCR was performed to determine CaMKIV, PGC-1α, NRF-1 and COXIV mRNA expression. Western Blotting was used to determine corresponding protein contents. One-Way ANOVA was used in comparisons of the mean values between the groups.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that, the CaMKIV, NRF-1 and COXIV mRNA expression of C7 were significantly higher than C4 and A4, except PGC-1α mRNA which was lower (P