Effects of leg resistance training on arterial function in older men

Background

Little information is available on the effect of strength training on vascular function, particularly in older people.

Objective

To determine the effect of resistance training on arterial stiffness and endothelial function in older adults.

Method

Eleven healthy men (mean (SEM) age 64 (1) years) performed 12 weeks of resistance training involving knee flexion and extension (three sets a day, two days a week).

Results

Resistance training increased maximal muscle power by 16% (p<0.0001). Arterial stiffness as assessed by aortic pulse wave velocity did not change with resistance training. Plasma concentration of nitric oxide (NO), measured as its stable end product (nitrite/nitrate), had increased (p<0.05) after resistance training (61.2 (10.4) v 39.6 (3.2) μmol/l). There was no change in plasma concentration of endothelin‐1.

Conclusion

The results suggest that short term resistance training may increase NO production without stiffening central arteries in healthy older men.