Resistance Training and Vascular Function Among Aged Mature Women

Abstract

Advancing age is associated with a decline in limb blood flow and vascular conductance that could lead to a reduction in functional capacity. Interestingly, exercise training seems to improve vascular function; however, few studies have evaluated the effects of resistance training on microvascular function. PURPOSE: The purpose was to examine the effects of whole-body resistance training on vascular function (i.e. vascular reactivity) among elderly women. METHODS: Fifteen women (age: 69 ± 7.45 years) signed informed consents prior to testing. These women participated in whole-body resistance training program performed, 2 days/week for 8 weeks. Before and after training muscle strength [One repetition maximum (1RM) for chest press, biceps curl, leg extension, and leg curl) and vascular function (fingertip digital thermal monitoring (DTM) of vascular reactivity] were measured. RESULTS: The 1RM for all the muscle strength outcomes increased significantly [chest press: 29.74%, pre = 8.64±2.46; post = 11.21±2.91kg; biceps curl: 37.02%, pre = 9.02± 2.45; post = 12.36±2.49 kg; leg extension: 19.95%; pre = 34.24±11.76; post = 41.07±14.53 kg; leg curl 25.33%; pre = 36.00±8.92; post = 45.12±8.52 kg, (p<0.05)]. The vascular reactivity index (measured by DTM) increased significantly 13.36% [pre = 2.17±0.44 vs. post = 2.46±0.36, (p<0.05)]. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that whole-body resistance training is capable of increasing muscle strength and vascular function, specifically vascular reactivity, among aged mature women. Clearly, this study underlie the importance of resistance exercise training as part of a healthy and active lifestyle in aged women.