Research Article

The Effects of a High‐Volume and High‐Intensity Resistance Training Program on Arterial Stiffness

Published: 2018-4

Journal: The FASEB Journal

DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2018.32.1_supplement.722.12

Abstract

Arterial stiffness has long been regarded as an indicator of disease and is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. Controversies exist amongst the impact of resistance training protocols on the stiffening process in the major elastic arteries. This study was designed to address some of the controversies. ## PURPOSE: To determine the vascular impact of a high‐volume (HV), moderate resistance training program and a high‐intensity (HI), moderate repetition training program on arterial compliance. ## METHODS: 21 otherwise healthy, male university students with limited resistance training experience (< 6 months) were randomized into one of three groups: 7 control (CO) group (22±3 yrs), 6 HI resistance exercise group (23±3 yrs), and 8 HV resistance exercise group (21±3 yrs). All were subjected to a series of tests including anthropometry, ultrasonography of the carotid artery, applanation tonometry, blood pressure acquisition, and maximal strength assessment. Subjects were instructed to maintain normal dietary patterns throughout the study period. Food consumption was monitored. All subjects in the training groups performed the same 8–10 exercises on training days. Subjects in the HV group trained at 50–70% of 1‐RM with 10–15 repetitions and 2–4 sets per exercise for 3–5 days a week for 12 weeks. Subjects in the HI group trained at 70–95% of 1‐RM with 3–6 repetitions and 2–3 sets per exercise for 3–5 days a week for 12 weeks. Subjects randomized to the control group were instructed to refrain from both cardiovascular and resistance exercise during the study period. Arterial stiffness comparisons were calculated with two‐way ANOVA with repeated measures. ## RESULTS: 1‐RM significantly increased for squat (52% vs. 25%, p<0.05), bench press (31% vs. 27%, p<0.05) and seated rows (22% vs. 13%, p<0.05) in the HV and HI groups respectively. Carotid femoral PWV did not change in the HI (7.6±2 vs. 8.1±2 m/s, p>0.05), HV (6.3±1 vs. 6.8±2 m/s, p>0.05), and CO (6.7±1 vs. 6.7±1 m/s, p>0.05) groups. Beta stiffness index did not change in the HI (5.9±3.5 vs. 5.7±2.6 U, p>0.05), HV (6.5±1.9 vs. 6.5±2.1 U, p>0.05), and CO (7.2±4.4 vs. 6.4±3.1 m/s, p>0.05) groups. ## CONCLUSION: 12 weeks of HI and HV training does not appear to augment indices for arterial stiffness in young, adult males. This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published inThe FASEB Journal.

Faculty Members

  • Thomas Pellinger - Salisbury University Salisbury MD
  • Nabil Boutagy - Yale University New Haven CT
  • Tim Werner - Salisbury University Salisbury MD

Themes

  • exercise physiology
  • resistance training
  • arterial stiffness
  • cardiovascular health
  • vascular compliance

Categories

Download Article