Regular resistance training favorably affects central artery stiffness response following transient resistance exercise

Abstract

High-intensity regular resistance training increases central arterial stiffness. In contrast, resistance-trained individuals experience a protective effect on vascular function response after transient resistance exercise. Central arterial stiffening with regular resistance training might be offset with each transient resistance exercise performed. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of regular resistance training on the response of central arterial stiffness following a single bout of resistance exercise. All subjects were assigned to control (n = 8) and training (n = 14) groups. The training group underwent four weeks of regular resistance training. Before and after the regular training, they performed a transient resistance exercise consisting of unilateral resistance exercise using arm curls (5 sets of 10 repetitions at 75% of 1 repetition maximum). Beta stiffness index as a measure of central arterial stiffness was evaluated at baseline and 30 min and 60 min following transient resistance exercise. The training group showed that transient resistance exercise did not change the beta stiffness index before regular training. Nevertheless, regular training markedly decreased beta stiffness index after transient resistance exercise (following 30 min: change = − 3.8 ± 2.1 AU, p < 0.05), although it significantly increased beta stiffness index at rest (change = 1.5 ± 1.6 AU). The present findings suggest that regular resistance training remedies central arterial stiffness response following transient resistance exercise. Regular resistance training experience has a favorable effect on elastic properties of central arteries following transient resistance exercise (day-to-day practice in resistance-trained individuals).