The Effect of 10 Weeks Core Muscle Training on Levels of Follistatin, Myostatin, and Pain in Elderly Women

Aims: Structural postural changes due to aging are common among the elderly due to decreased muscle mass and tissue. We evaluated the effect of 10 weeks of core muscle training on serum levels of follistatin, myostatin, and pain in older women with low back pain. Methods & Materials: A total of 18 older women with low back pain (aged 60 to 70 y) were randomly assigned into two groups: experimental (n=9) and control (n=9). The training program of core muscles included 55 to 60 min sessions, 3 times per week for 10 weeks. Before and after the training, serum follistatin and myostatin, along with pain intensity and lumbar function, were evaluated. The obtained data were analyzed by paired sample t test and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) to compare intragroup and intergroup differences, respectively. Findings: Core muscle training led to a significant reduction in the relative pain scale (P=0.001). Follistatin (P=0.001) and myostatin (P=0.001) levels increased and decreased significantly at the end of the training period, respectively. Lumbar function improved in the training group. Changes in means of between groups in relative pain scale, follistatin, myostatin, and lumbar function have a significant difference (P<0.05). Conclusion: Core muscle training was associated with a decline in myostatin level, increase in follistatin level, and improving lumbar function. In summary, core muscle training may decrease muscle atrophy related to age.