Randomized Controlled Trial Using Resistance Training to Improve Arterial Function in Overweight, Young Adult Males

Abstract

Controversy exists regarding the effects of resistance training (RT) on arterial stiffness. We are investigating the effects of RT on vascular function in sedentary, overweight, young adult males, and report data from the first 12 subjects (age 22.8±1.8 yrs, BMI 32.2±3.1 kg/m2). Subjects were randomized in a 3:1 fashion to an RT group (12 wks of training at 3 d/wk) or a control group (C). After an overnight fast and abstaining from exercise for 72 hrs, subjects were assessed for changes in body weight (BW), BMI, waist circumference (WC), body composition by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry, 1‐repetition maximum (1‐RM) strength, carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), augmentation index (AIx), aortic pressure (AP), and sub‐endocardial viability ratio (SEVR). Preliminary analyses compared changes in the RT (n=8) and C (n=4) groups pre‐ and post‐intervention. No significant changes in BMI, WC, BW, total fat mass, AIx, AP, and SEVR were noted. However, the RT group had a significant increase in lean body mass (LBM) and 1‐RM strength for leg press, chest press and seated row, compared to C (all p<0.03). There was a trend towards a decrease in cfPWV in the RT group (RT: pre 7.1±0.8 vs. post 6.9±1.3, C: 6.6±0.2 vs. 7.5±0.6, p=0.14). Preliminary results indicate an increase in LBM, strength, and a trend towards an improvement in arterial stiffness with a periodized RT intervention, even in the face of no changes in BW, BMI, or WC. American Heart Association BGIA #0765139Y.