Human soleus muscle protein synthesis following resistance exercise

Aim: It is generally believed the calf muscles in humans are relatively unresponsive to resistance training when compared with other muscles of the body. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the muscle protein synthesis response of the soleus muscle following a standard high intensity bout of resistance exercise. Methods: Eight recreationally active males (27 ± 4 years) completed three unilateral calf muscle exercises: standing calf press/heel raise, bent‐knee calf press/heel raise, and seated calf press/heel raise. Each exercise consisted of four sets of 15 repetitions (∼15 repetition maximum, RM, or ∼70% 1RM). Fractional rate of muscle protein synthesis (FSR) was determined with a primed constant infusion of [2H5]phenylalanine coupled with muscle biopsies immediately and 3 h following the exercise in both the exercise and non‐exercise (resting control) leg. Results: FSR was elevated (P