The Effect Of Physical Activity On Arterial Elasticity In Resistance Trained Men

Abstract

Low arterial elasticity is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which may be impaired with resistance training and improved with aerobic training. PURPOSE: To determine (1) if there is a difference in arterial elasticity between resistance trained men who were less physically active compared to those who were more physically active, and (2) to assess factors related to arterial elasticity in resistance trained men. METHODS: 35 resistance trained men, (45–64 years of age), who had a history of resistance training for 22 ± 12.9 years participated. Subjects were divided into either lower (n = 17) or higher (n = 18) physical activity groups based on the total amount of activity performed during the previous year from the Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. Subjects also underwent cardiovascular testing by an HDI CR-2000 pulsewave device to determine large (C1) and small (C2) arterial elasticity. RESULTS: There were no differences (p >0.05) in either C1 (18.8 ±5.8 vs. 18.1 ±4.2 ml/mm Hg × 10; mean±SD) or C2(7.6±3.0 vs. 8.7 ± 2.2 ml/mmHg × 100) between the lower and higher physical activity groups, respectively. C1 was related to waist-to-hip ratio (r = −0.353, p = 0.048), and C2 was related to age (r = −0.353, p = 0.036) and to total amount of moderate intensity (4.0 to 6.0 MET's) physical activity performed (r = 0.349, p = 0.040). CONCLUSION: Arterial elasticity in resistance trained men was similar between the higher and lower physically active groups. Furthermore, arterial elasticity declined with increased age and increased waist-to-hip ratio, whereas arterial elasticity increased with higher levels of moderate intensity physical activity in resistance trained men.