Strength training enhances endothelial and muscular function in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Summary Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sixteen weeks of strength training on forearm blood flow (FBF) and nitric oxide (NO) production at rest induced by exercise in postmenopausal women. Equipment and methods Twenty postmenopausal sedentary women 60 ± 5 years participated in this study. The volunteers were randomly assigned into two groups: The trained group (TG, n = 10), performed 3 sessions of approximately 1 hour of strength exercise per week during 16 weeks, and the control group (CG, n = 10), did not perform the systematic physical activity. Forearm blood flow was measured by venous plethysmography and the measurements of nitric oxide production by Griess assay. The measurements were performed before and after training with subjects at rest and undergoing a protocol of handgrip. Results After strength training TG increased significantly FBF values after exercise (3.98 ± 1.81 vs. 2.37 ± 1.03 ml.100 ml−1.min−1; P