Acute Effects Of Resistance Exercise On Central Arterial Compliance

Abstract

Decreased central arterial compliance is an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We have previously demonstrated that resistance exercise training is associated with reduced central arterial compliance; however, it is unknown whether this decrease is from one bout of resistance exercise or from an adaptation to multiple bouts of resistance exercise training. PURPOSE To determine the acute effects of one bout of resistance exercise on central arterial compliance. METHODS Sixteen young (27 ±1 yr) healthy sedentary subjects (11 males) were studied under parallel experimental conditions on 2 separate days. Female subjects were studied in the early follicular phase of their menstrual cycle. The order of experiments was randomized between resistance exercise (2 sets of 9 resistance exercises at 75% of 1 repetition maximum) and sham control (quietly sitting in the exercise room without performing any resistance exercise). Measures of central arterial compliance (using simultaneous B-mode ultrasound and applanation tonometry at the carotid artery), heart rate, and brachial blood pressure were taken at baseline, immediately after, and at 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 min following the completion of each experimental condition. RESULTS Baseline hemodynamic values were not different between the two experimental conditions. Resistance exercise increased heart rate significantly immediately after, as well as at 30 and 60 min following resistance exercise. Mean arterial blood pressure and systolic blood pressure did not change significantly throughout either condition. Carotid arterial compliance decreased approximately 30% immediately following resistance exercise, and this decrease in compliance returned to baseline levels by 60 min after resistance exercise. Central arterial compliance remained unchanged in the sham control condition. CONCLUSIONS Although a single bout of resistance exercise acutely decreases central arterial compliance, this effect is sustained for less than 60 min after exercise. Thus, the reduced central arterial compliance previously observed in resistance-trained adults appears to be due to the chronic effects of resistance exercise training. Supported by the National Institutes of Health (AG20966, HL072729) and the Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia, the government of Spain.