Effects Of Low-intensity Resistance Training Research Articles

Effect of Blood Flow-Restricted Strength Training on Body Composition: a Randomized Controlled Study of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

INTRODUCTION. Low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction is an effective strategy for increasing muscle mass and strength, as well as reducing excess subcutaneous and visceral fat deposition. In recent years, this method has been used in various populations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction on anthropometric parameters and body composition in men with metabolic syndrome.
 AIM. To evaluate the effect of low-intensity strength training with blood flow restriction on anthropometric indices and body composition in men with metabolic syndrome.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study involved 60 untrained men (mean age 38.7 ± 5.6 years) who meet the criteria for metabolic syndrome due to health reasons. Participants were divided into three groups according to resistance training regimens: low-intensity resistance with blood flow restriction; high-intensity training; low-intensity training without blood flow restriction. Before and after 12 weeks of training, the groups were assessed for body mass index, fat mass, visceral fat area, musculoskeletal mass, waist circumference.
 RESULTS. There was a statistically significant decrease in fat mass, visceral fat area, waist circumference and an increase in musculoskeletal mass (p 0.05) in the groups of low-intensity strength training with blood flow restriction and high-intensity strength training. In the parameters of men belonging to the group of low-intensity strength training without blood flow restriction, no statistically significant changes were found (p 0.05).
 CONCLUSION. In summary, the study found that low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction effectively altered the body composition of men with metabolic syndrome.

Effects of a 12-Week Low-Intensity Resistance Training Program on Force-Matching Task and Balance in Young Men

Background: The effects of low-intensity resistance training on health and muscular performance have been widely reported, but its effects on motor skills such as balance and force matching have been overlooked. Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of low-intensity resistance training on a force-matching task and balance. Methods: The subjects from the intervention group (EXP; n = 20) participated in a 12-week low-intensity resistance training program. The measurements of balance and force-matching ability were conducted before and after the intervention. To determine the accuracy and steadiness (variability) in the force matching task, we calculated the values of three errors: (1) absolute error (AE), (2) constant error (CE), and (3) variable error (VE). Results: In the force-matching task performed after the training, the values of two errors decreased: (1) AE (right leg, p = 0.0008; left leg, p = 0.0008), and (2) CE (right leg, p = 0.0064; left leg, p = 0.0440). Resistance training did not significantly affect VE and the parameters characterizing COP sway in the balance test. Conclusions: The 12-week low-intensity resistance training improved the accuracy of the force-matching task but did not change postural stability or postural strategies.

The effects of low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction versus traditional resistance exercise on lower extremity muscle strength and motor functionin ischemic stroke survivors: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Background Blood flow restriction (BFR) training can temporarily reduce cortical GABA concentrations and increase the size of motor volleys to deafferented muscles, which can promote motor recovery in stroke survivors. Objective To determine the effect of low-intensity resistance training with BFR (LIRT-BFR) on lower extremity muscle strength, balance, functional mobility, walking capacity, gait speed, anxiety, and depression in stroke survivors and to compare the results with high-intensity resistance training (HIRT). Method It was a two-arm, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial in which 32 ischemic stroke participants were randomly allocated to LIRT-BFR or HIRT group. The LIRT-BFR group received low load resistance training (40% of 1-Repetition Maximum (1-RM)) with BFR, whereas HIRT group received high load resistance training (80% of 1-RM). The 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT), five-time sit-to-stand test (5TSTST), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Barthel index were the primary outcome measures. The secondary outcome measures included gait speed (m/s), stride length (cm), cadence (steps/min), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression. Results All the primary and secondary outcome measures were significantly improved in both groups (p < 0.05). The LIRT-BFR group showed a slightly greater, but non-significant, improvement as compared to the HIRT group in terms of mean change observed in 6-MWT (81 m vs 62 m), 5TSTST (−5.27 vs −4.81), gait speed (0.19 vs 0.12), stride length (18 vs 13), and cadence (8 vs 6). No adverse event was reported. Conclusion LIRT-BFR produced a significant improvement in muscle strength, balance, walking capacity, and anxiety and depression in ischemic stroke patients, and the improvement are comparable to HIRT. Clinical Trial Registration NCT05281679

Позитивное влияние низкоинтенсивных силовых тренировок с ограничением кровотока на показатели обмена веществ у мужчин с метаболическим синдромом

Resistance training with blood flow restriction using inflatable cuffs or elastic bands produces a partial occlusion of the vessels of the exercising muscles. Compared to high-intensity resistance training, blood flow restriction training markedly reduces the mechanical load, while causing a similar increase in muscle mass and strength. Thus, this method is an effective training protocol for people with disabilities. Recent studies have shown that blood flow restriction training has beneficial effects on glucose metabolism and promotes mitochondrial biogenesis. Therefore, it can be considered as a valuable alternative to exercise for people with metabolic syndrome, a disorder characterized by impaired glucose metabolism, decreased skeletal muscle mass and progressive sarcopenia. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction on the metabolic parameters in men with metabolic syndrome. Materials and methods. The study involved 45 non-exercising men (mean age 35.2 ± 6.4 years) with metabolic syndrome. The participants were divided into three groups: low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction; high-intensity resistance training without blood flow restriction; low-intensity resistance training without blood flow restriction. Before and after the training course (12 weeks), blood plasma levels of glucose, triglycerides and high-density lipoproteins were assessed, as well as systolic blood pressure, waist circumference and metabolic syndrome severity z-score. Results. A statistically significant (p ˂ 0.05) decrease in all parameters was found in the groups of low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction and high-intensity resistance training. In the group of low-intensity resistance training without blood flow restriction, no statistically significant changes were identified (p ˃ 0.05). Thus, the research found that low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction improves the metabolic profile of men with metabolic syndrome and can, therefore, be used to prevent and treat metabolic disorders.

Effect of low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction on functional status in knee osteoarthritis

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is a joint pathology with high prevalence, resulting from the increase of aging and obesity in the world population. Articular cartilage destruction can cause pain and eventually reduces activities of daily living and affects functional status in subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Exercise interventions in knee-OA aimed at increasing knee extensor muscle strength involve high-intensity resistance training but may result in joint pain due to high-compressive forces. Other alternative method includes low-intensity resistance training performed with blood flow restriction, a potential intervention for a patient who does not tolerate high loads due to lower mechanical stress. This study aims to determine the effects of blood flow restriction with low-intensity resistance training on the quadriceps for six weeks on functional status in knee-OA patients. Methods: Twenty-eight patients aged 50-70 years old with knee-OA in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic Soetomo Hospital Surabaya were randomized into control and treatment groups. Both groups underwent a 6-week supervised training program consisting of LI-RT (30% 1-RM) two sessions/week. The treatment group received an additional application of blood flow restriction using a cuff on 1/3 of the upper thigh with 50 mmHg occlusion pressure. Both groups were assessed for functional status by self-reported WOMAC questionnaire before and after the protocol. Results: Both training methods were able to reduce WOMAC pain and improve physical function subscales significantly, but WOMAC stiffness subscales only reduced significantly in low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction. There were no significant differences between groups for any domain from WOMAC, nor any significant differences between delta scores (all P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: Low-intensity resistance training with and without blood flow restriction was similarly effective in enhancing functional status in subjects with knee osteoarthritis.

Low-intensity resistance training to improve knee extension strength in community-dwelling older adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

AimThe purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of low-intensity resistance training on knee extension strength with respect to intensity, frequency, duration and training site in community-dwelling older adults. MethodsA literature search was conducted for articles published up to December 2018 on PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), OTseeker and Ichushi-Web. Randomized controlled trials involving resistance training with <60 % one repetition maximum (1RM) in community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years and older were eligible. ResultsIn total, 7 studies involving 275 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed significant improvements in knee extension strength with low-intensity resistance training [standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.62, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.32 to 0.91]. In subgroup analyses, significant improvements were observed in the group with intensity at 50–60 % 1RM (0.83, 0.46 to 1.19), but not in the group at 40 % or less 1RM (0.30, 95%CI: −0.08 to 0.68). Concerning frequency, there were significant improvements in knee strength for those receiving training three times (0.90, 0.52 to 1.27) and two times (0.36, 0.03 to 0.69) per week, with a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.04). ConclusionsLow-intensity resistance training should be considered as an effective intervention to improve knee extension strength in community-dwelling older adults. Older adults may show more improvement in knee extension strength if intensity of the training is set at 50–60 % 1RM and frequency of training is three times per week.

The Effects of Low-intensity Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction Versus Traditional Resistance Exercise on Lower Extremity Muscle Strength, Walking Capacity, and Balance in Ischemic Stroke Survivors: A Study Protocol for the BFR-Stroke RESILIENCE Trial

The Effects of Low-intensity Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction Versus Traditional Resistance Exercise on Lower Extremity Muscle Strength, Walking Capacity, and Balance in Ischemic Stroke Survivors: A Study Protocol for the BFR-Stroke RESILIENCE Trial

Low-Intensity Resistance Training with Moderate Blood Flow Restriction Appears Safe and Increases Skeletal Muscle Strength and Size in Cardiovascular Surgery Patients: A Pilot Study.

We examined the safety and the effects of low-intensity resistance training (RT) with moderate blood flow restriction (KAATSU RT) on muscle strength and size in patients early after cardiac surgery. Cardiac patients (age 69.6 ± 12.6 years, n = 21, M = 18) were randomly assigned to the control (n = 10) and the KAATSU RT group (n = 11). All patients had received a standard aerobic cardiac rehabilitation program. The KAATSU RT group additionally executed low-intensity leg extension and leg press exercises with moderate blood flow restriction twice a week for 3 months. RT-intensity and volume were increased gradually. We evaluated the anterior mid-thigh thickness (MTH), skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), handgrip strength, knee extensor strength, and walking speed at baseline, 5–7 days after cardiac surgery, and after 3 months. A physician monitored the electrocardiogram, rate of perceived exertion, and the color of the lower limbs during KAATSU RT. Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and D-dimer were measured at baseline and after 3 months. There were no side effects during KAATSU RT. CPK and D-dimer were normal after 3 months. MTH, SMI, walking speed, and knee extensor strength increased after 3 months with KAATSU RT compared with baseline. Relatively low vs. high physical functioning patients tended to increase physical function more after 3 months with KAATSU RT. Low-intensity KAATSU RT as an adjuvant to standard cardiac rehabilitation can safely increase skeletal muscle strength and size in cardiovascular surgery patients.

The effect of low-intensity resistance training after heat stress on muscle size and strength of triceps brachii: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to clarify whether there is a synergistic effect on muscular strength and hypertrophy when low-intensity resistance training is performed after heat stress.MethodsThirty healthy young male volunteers were randomly allocated to either the low-intensity resistance training with heat stress group or the control group. The control group performed low-intensity resistance training alone. In the low-intensity resistance training with heat stress group, a hot pack was applied to cover the muscle belly of the triceps brachii for 20 min before the training. The duration of the intervention was 6 weeks. In both groups, the training resistance was 30% of the one repetition maximum, applied in three sets with eight repetitions each and 60-s intervals. The one repetition maximum of elbow extension and muscle thickness of triceps brachii were measured before and after 6 weeks of low intensity resistance training.ResultsThere was no significant change in the one-repetition maximum and muscle thickness in the control group, whereas there was a significant increase in the muscle strength and thickness in the low-intensity resistance training with heat stress group.ConclusionThe combination of heat stress and low-intensity resistance training was an effective method for increasing muscle strength and volume.Trial registrationUniversity Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000036167; March 11, 2019).

Effect of low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction on serum VEGF level, bone markers and bone mineral density in elderly women

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction on serum VEGF, bone markers and bone mineral density in elderly women. Methods The subjects were divided into three groups: low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction(BFR-LRT, n=8); high intensity resistance training(HRT, n=8); low- intensity resistance training (LRT, n=5). Both the BFR-LRT and LRT groups worked out knee extension and leg curl exercises at 20% of each estimated one-repetition maximum(1RM) and HRT group worked out knee extension and leg curl exercises at 70% of each estimated 1RM 3 days per week for 12 weeks. Results As a result after 12 weeks, serum VEGF level have increased significantly among BFR-LRT group compared to HRT and LRT groups. Serum Bone ALP level have increased significantly among BFR-LRT and HRT groups compared to LRT group. Calcaneus BMD have increased significantly among BFR-LRT and HRT groups compared to LRT group. Conclusions In conclusion, despite using low-intensity load, BFR-LRT is a efficient training alternative to HRT for improving bone metabolism in older women.

Low-Intensity Resistance Training and Compression Garment in the Management of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

There is limited evidence regarding the combined effect of exercise and compression garment on breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Therefore, we investigate the effect of low-intensity resistance training alone or in combination with a compression garment on lymphedema volume, self-reported lymphedema symptoms, and shoulder mobility and function. A total of 60 women with unilateral BCRL were randomly assigned to low-intensity resistance exercises (Rex group, n = 30) or exercises and compression garment (Rex-Com-group, n = 30). Both groups take part in exercises program consisted of 10-12 repetitions at 50 to 60% of one repetition maximum (IRM), three times weekly, for 8weeks. The primary outcome was lymphedema volume determined by percentage reduction of excess limb volume (ELV). Secondary outcomes were lymphedema symptoms (pain, heaviness, and tightness) and shoulder mobility and function using the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire. All measurements were standardized and performed before (week 0, W0), after the intervention (week 8, W8), and at follow-up (week 12, W12). A significant reduction in percentage of ELV (p < 0.01), pain severity (p < 0.05), a sensation of heaviness (p < 0.05) and tightness (p < 0.001), and improvement in shoulder range of motion (p < 0.05) and function on DASH scores (p < 0.05) were observed at W8 and W12 in both groups. However, no between-group differences were observed over time. These findings suggest that low-intensity resistance training, irrespective of garment use, can effectively reduce limb volume and lymphedema symptoms, and increase shoulder mobility and function.

Effects of Low-intensity Resistance Training with Skin Cooling on Muscle Thickness and Muscle Strength

Effects of Low-intensity Resistance Training with Skin Cooling on Muscle Thickness and Muscle Strength

Effects of low-intensity resistance training on muscular function and glycemic control in older adults with type2 diabetes.

Aims/IntroductionThe present study aimed to investigate the effects of low‐intensity resistance training with slow movement and tonic force generation (LST) on muscular function and glucose metabolism in older patients with type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsA total of 10 patients with type 2 diabetes (age 68.2 ± 9.7 years) engaged in LST training twice a week for 16 weeks. Before the long‐term intervention, they were subjected to the measurement of acute changes in blood factors relating to glycemic control as a result of a bout of LST. Body composition, muscular size and strength, and glycated hemoglobin were measured before and after the intervention.ResultsThe magnitudes of the acute changes in the blood factors were all small and were not considered harmful for glucose metabolism. The 16‐week LST training caused significant increases in thigh muscle thickness and strength, and decreases in body fat mass and glycated hemoglobin. The change in glycated hemoglobin showed a significant negative correlation with the change in the isokinetic knee extension peak torque measured at a high angular velocity (180°/s).ConclusionsThe LST training was shown to be effective for gaining muscular size and strength, and improving glycemic control in older patients with type 2 diabetes. The mechanisms underlying this effect might involve the improvement of contractile function in fast glycolytic fibers.

The effect of low-intensity resistance training with different movement velocities to failure on maximal strength in elderly adults

The effect of low-intensity resistance training with different movement velocities to failure on maximal strength in elderly adults

Effect of low-intensity resistance training with heat stress on the HSP72, anabolic hormones, muscle size, and strength in elderly women.

Several recent studies have reported that heat stress stimulates the activation of heat shock protein 72 (HSP72), leading to an increase in muscle synthesis. Some studies suggested that low-intensity resistance training combined with heat stress could improve muscle size and strength. This study aimed to identify the effect of low-intensity resistance training with heat stress over 12weeks on the HSP72, anabolic hormones, muscle size, and strength in elderly women. The subjects were physically healthy women of 65-75years, who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a low-intensity resistance training with heating sheet group (HRT group, n=8), a moderate-intensity resistance training (RT group, n=6), and a heating sheet group (HEAT group, n=7). Computed tomography scans, 1-repetition maximum (1RM), and blood samples were taken pre- and post-training. The HSP72 did not vary significantly between the different groups and times. The IGF-1 and 1RM had significantly increased in all three groups after the training (respectively, p<0.05). Moreover, the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps showed a significantly greater increase in the HRT group than in the HEAT group (p<0.05). We found that low-intensity training with heat stress stimulated the anabolic hormones of elderly women, improving their muscle strength and hypertrophy. We believe that low-intensity training with heat stress is an effective way to prevent muscle atrophy and to improve muscle strength in elderly women.

Low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction improves vascular endothelial function and peripheral blood circulation in healthy elderly people.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR resistance training) on vascular endothelial function and peripheral blood circulation. Forty healthy elderly volunteers aged 71 ± 4 years were divided into two training groups. Twenty subjects performed BFR resistance training (BFR group), and the remaining 20 performed ordinary resistance training without BFR. Resistance training was performed at 20 % of each estimated one-repetition maximum for 4 weeks. We measured lactate (Lac), norepinephrine (NE), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and growth hormone (GH) before and after the initial resistance training. The reactive hyperemia index (RHI), von Willebrand factor (vWF) and transcutaneous oxygen pressure in the foot (Foot-tcPO2) were assessed before and after the 4-week resistance training period. Lac, NE, VEGF and GH increased significantly from 8.2 ± 3.6 mg/dL, 619.5 ± 243.7 pg/mL, 43.3 ± 15.9 pg/mL and 0.9 ± 0.7 ng/mL to 49.2 ± 16.1 mg/dL, 960.2 ± 373.7 pg/mL, 61.6 ± 19.5 pg/mL and 3.1 ± 1.3 ng/mL, respectively, in the BFR group (each P < 0.01). RHI and Foot-tcPO2 increased significantly from 1.8 ± 0.2 and 62.4 ± 5.3 mmHg to 2.1 ± 0.3 and 68.9 ± 5.8 mmHg, respectively, in the BFR group (each P < 0.01). VWF decreased significantly from 175.7 ± 20.3 to 156.3 ± 38.1 % in the BFR group (P < 0.05). BFR resistance training improved vascular endothelial function and peripheral blood circulation in healthy elderly people.

Safety and possible effects of low-intensity resistance training associated with partial blood flow restriction in polymyositis and dermatomyositis.

IntroductionOur aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a low-intensity resistance training program combined with partial blow flow restriction (BFR training) in a cohort of patients with polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM).MethodsIn total, 13 patients with PM and DM completed a 12-week twice a week low-intensity (that is, 30% one-repetition-maximum (1RM)) resistance exercise training program combined with partial blood flow restriction (BFR). Assessments of muscle strength, physical function, quadriceps cross sectional (CSA) area, health-related quality of life, and clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed at baseline and after the intervention.ResultsThe BFR training program was effective in increasing the maximal dynamic strength in both the leg-press (19.6%, P <0.001) and knee-extension exercises (25.2% P <0.001), as well as in the timed-stands (15.1%, P <0.001) and timed-up-and-go test (−4.5%, P =0.002). Quadriceps CSA was also significantly increased after the intervention (4.57%, P =0.01). Similarly, all of the components of the Short Form-36 Health Survey, the Health Assessment Questionnaire scores, and the patient- and physician reported Visual Analogue Scale were significantly improved after training (P <0.05). Importantly, no clinical evidence or any other self-reported adverse event were found. Laboratory parameters (creatine kinase and aldolase) were also unchanged (P >0.05) after the intervention.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that a 12-week supervised low-intensity resistance training program associated with partial blood flow restriction may be safe and effective in improving muscle strength and function as well as muscle mass and health-related quality of life in patients with PM and DM.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT01501019. Registered November 29, 2011.

Low-intensity resistance training attenuates dexamethasone-induced atrophy in the flexor hallucis longus muscle

This study investigated the potential protective effect of low-intensity resistance training (RT) against dexamethasone (DEX) treatment induced muscle atrophy. Rats underwent either an 8 week period of ladder climbing RT or remained sedentary. During the last 10 days of the exercise protocol, animals were submitted to a DEX treatment or a control saline injection. Muscle weights were assessed and levels of AKT, mTOR, FOXO3a, Atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 proteins were analyzed in flexor hallucis longus (FHL), tibialis anterior (TA), and soleus muscles. DEX induced blood glucose increase (+46%), body weight reduction (−19%) and atrophy in FHL (−28%) and TA (−21%) muscles, which was associated with a decrease in AKT and an increase in MuRF-1 proteins levels. Low-intensity RT prevented the blood glucose increase, attenuated the FHL atrophy effects of DEX, and was associated with increased mTOR and reductions in Atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 in FHL. In contrast, TA muscle atrophy and signaling proteins were not affected by RT. These are the first data to demonstrate that low-intensity ladder-climbing RT specifically mitigates the FHL atrophy, which is the main muscle recruited during the training activity, while not preventing atrophy in other limb muscle not as heavily recruited. The recruitment-dependent prevention of atrophy by low intensity RT likely occurs by a combination of attenuated muscle protein degradation signals and enhanced muscle protein synthesis signals including mTOR, Atrogin-1 and MuRF-1.

Abstract 92: Low-intensity Resistance Exercise Training Improves Cardiovascular Dysautonomia and Systolic Function in Diabetic Rats

Background: Cardiovascular complications are the major cause of death in diabetic patients. Diabetic rats by streptozotocin (STZ) administration present many alterations similar to those occurring in humans like diabetic cardiomyopathy and neuropathy, impairing the cardiovascular autonomic control. Aerobic exercise training improves these alterations, however evidence about the effects of resistance exercise on these parameters are scarce. Objective: To evaluate the effects of low-intensity resistance training in baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), in autonomic control and cardiac function in STZ diabetic rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats (3 months of age) were divided into sedentary control group (SC, n = 8), sedentary diabetic (SD, n = 8), trained diabetic (TD, n = 8) and trained control (TC, n = 8). Trained groups underwent low-intensity resistance training (40-50% maximal voluntary contraction) for 10 weeks. All animals were instrumentalized with femoral artery and vein cannulas. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) signals, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and autonomic tonus were evaluated, as well as cardiac function by echocardiography. Statistical analysis: Data were compared by two-way ANOVA followed by Student Newmann Keuls post hoc test. Significance level was p&lt;0.05. Results: Diabetic rats showed lower systolic BP and HR, impairment of BRS and autonomic function and systolic and diastolic dysfunction in comparison with controls. Resistance training did not change glycemia, however it attenuated the resting hypotension (SD: 105±4 vs. TD: 117±4 mmHg) and bradycardia (SD: 283±4 vs. TD: 16±13 bpm), improved the reflex bradycardia (SD: -0.57±0.08 vs. TD: -1.75±0.1 bpm/mmHg) and the reflex tachycardia to BP changes (SD: 1.08±0.2 vs.TD: 3.10±0.15 bpm/mmHg), the vagal tonus (SD: 13±3 vs. TD: 43±4 bpm), as well as the ejection fraction (SD: 68±2 vs. TD: 75±3 %) of diabetic rats. Conclusion: Low-intensity resistance training attenuated the hemodynamic impairment, improved BRS, autonomic control and systolic function in STZ diabetic rats without modifying the hyperglycemia. These data suggest that resistance exercise training induced-cardiovascular improvement can be independent of changes in glycemic control in a model of type 1 diabetes.

Low-Intensity Resistance Training after High-Intensity Resistance Training can Prevent the Increase of Central Arterial Stiffness

Although high-intensity resistance training increases arterial stiffness, low-intensity resistance training reduces arterial stiffness. The present study investigates the effect of low-intensity resistance training before and after high-intensity resistance training on arterial stiffness. 30 young healthy subjects were randomly assigned to a group that performed low-intensity resistance training before high-intensity resistance training (BLRT, n=10), a group that performed low-intensity resistance training after high-intensity resistance training (ALRT, n=10) and a sedentary control group (n=10). The BLRT and ALRT groups performed resistance training at 80% and 50% of one repetition maximum twice each week for 10 wk. Arterial stiffness was measured using carotid-femoral and femoral-ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV). One-repetition maximum strength in the both ALRT and BLRT significantly increased after the intervention (P<0.05 to P<0.01). Both carotid-femoral PWV and femoral-ankle PWV after combined training in the ALRT group did not change from before training. In contrast, carotid-femoral PWV after combined training in the BLRT group increased from before training (P <0.05). Femoral-ankle PWV after combined training in the both BLRT and ALRT groups did not change from before training. These results suggest that although arterial stiffness is increased by low-intensity resistance training before high-intensity resistance training, performing low-intensity resistance training thereafter can prevent the increase of arterial stiffness.