Resveratrol supplementation does not augment performance adaptations or fibre-type–specific responses to high-intensity interval training in humans

The present study examined the effect of concurrent exercise training and daily resveratrol (RSV) supplementation (150 mg) on training-induced adaptations following low-dose high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Sixteen recreationally active (~22 years, ~51 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) men were randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion to either the RSV or placebo group with both groups performing 4 weeks of HIIT 3 days per week. Before and after training, participants had a resting muscle biopsy taken, completed a peak oxygen uptake test, a Wingate test, and a submaximal exercise test. A main effect of training (p < 0.05) and interaction effect (p < 0.05) on peak aerobic power was observed; post hoc pairwise comparisons revealed that a significant (p < 0.05) increase occurred in the placebo group only. Main effects of training (p < 0.05) were observed for both peak oxygen uptake (placebo – pretraining: 51.3 ± 1.8, post-training: 54.5 ± 1.5 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, effect size (ES) = 0.93; RSV – pretraining: 49.6 ± 2.2, post-training: 52.3 ± 2.5 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, ES = 0.50) and Wingate peak power (placebo: pretraining: 747 ± 39, post-training: 809 ± 31 W, ES = 0.84; RSV – pretraining: 679 ± 39, post-training: 691 ± 43 W, ES = 0.12). Fibre-type distribution was unchanged, while a main effect of training (p < 0.05) was observed for succinate dehydrogenase activity and glycogen content, but not ɑ-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase activity or intramuscular lipids in type I and IIA fibres. The fold change in PGC-1ɑ, SIRT1, and SOD2 gene expression following training was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the RSV group than placebo. These results suggest that concurrent exercise training and RSV supplementation may alter the normal training response induced by low-volume HIIT.