Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the present study was to assess the association between varying amounts of strength training and insulin resistance. Another goal was to assess the influence of several potential confounding variables on the strength training and insulin resistance relationship. Lastly, the role of waist circumference, fat free mass, and body fat percentage on the association between strength training and insulin resistance was assessed. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 6561 randomly selected men and women in the US. Data were collected using the precise protocol established by NHANES. HOMA-IR was used as the outcome variable. Both time spent strength training and frequency of strength training bouts were used as exposure variables. RESULTS: There was not a statistically significant relationship between strength training and insulin resistance in women. However, after controlling for 10 potential confounding variables, men who reported no strength training had significantly higher levels of HOMA-IR compared to men who reported moderate or high levels of strength training (F = 9.87, P < 0.0001). Odds ratios were also assessed, and 10 potential confounding variables were controlled. Men reporting no strength training had 2.42 times the odds of having insulin resistance compared to men reporting moderate levels of strength training (95% CI: 1.19 to 4.93). Similarly, men reporting no strength training had 2.50 times the odds of having insulin resistance compared to men reporting high levels of strength training (95% CI: 1.25 to 5.00). CONCLUSION: There was a strong relationship between strength training and insulin resistance in US men, but not in US women. Differences in waist circumference, fat free mass, and body fat percentage, as well as demographic and lifestyle measures, do not appear to mediate the relationship.

Degree

College and Department

Life Sciences; Exercise Sciences

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