Introduction: The Akt-mTOR signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating protein synthesis, muscle growth, and cellular adaptations in response to exercise stimuli. Different types of exercise modalities, such as resistance training, endurance exercise, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), can influence the activation and modulation of the Akt-mTOR pathway. This review study aims to explore the impact of exercise type on the Akt-mTOR signaling pathway, elucidating how various forms of exercise may differentially regulate this critical pathway for muscle adaptation.
Methodology: A comprehensive review of literature examining the effects of different exercise types on the Akt-mTOR signaling pathway was conducted. Peer-reviewed articles were systematically identified through electronic database searches, focusing on studies that investigated the molecular responses of the Akt-mTOR pathway to resistance training, endurance exercise, HIIT, and other exercise modalities. Data extraction and analysis were performed to evaluate the activation levels, downstream targets, and adaptations within the Akt-mTOR pathway in response to different types of exercise.
Results: The review revealed that various exercise types can modulate the Akt-mTOR signaling pathway in distinct ways. Resistance training has been shown to activate mTORC1 signaling, promoting muscle protein synthesis and hypertrophy. Endurance exercise has been linked to increased Akt phosphorylation and mitochondrial biogenesis through mTOR activation. HIIT interventions have demonstrated effects on both Akt and mTOR pathways, enhancing metabolic adaptations and muscle performance.
Conclusions: Different types of exercise elicit specific responses within the Akt-mTOR signaling pathway, contributing to diverse physiological adaptations in skeletal muscle. Understanding how exercise modulates this pathway is crucial for optimizing training strategies tailored to specific fitness goals and performance outcomes. By tailoring exercise prescriptions based on the desired molecular responses within the Akt-mTOR pathway, individuals can enhance muscle growth, endurance capacity, and overall athletic performance.