Cardiovagal baroreflex and aortic hemodynamic responses to isometric exercise and post‐exercise muscle ischemia in resistance trained men

Arterial stiffness is associated with reduced baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and resistance training; thus a potentially increased cardiovascular risk in resistance‐trained (RT) individuals. The effects of resistance training on arterial stiffness and BRS have been evaluated at rest, but cardiovascular abnormalities that are not shown at rest may be revealed during recovery after exercise. Aortic systolic (aSBP) and diastolic blood pressure (aDBP), stroke volume (SV), augmentation index (AIx), vagal activity, BRS responses to isometric handgrip (IHG), and post‐exercise muscle ischemia (PEMI) were evaluated in 10 RT and 10 untrained (UT) men (21±1 years). Resting aDBP and AIx were lower in RT compared with UT. Heart rate recovery, BRS, and vagal reactivation during PEMI were similar in both groups. Increases in aSBP (13±11 mmHg), AIx (5±10%), and SV (12±12%) during IHG further increased during PEMI (8±14 mmHg, 12±6%, and 10±8%). Increases in aDBP from rest to PEMI were higher in RT (17±9 mmHg) compared with UT (7±8 mmHg). The lower resting aDBP and the enhanced response to PEMI suggest beneficial adaptations in RT men. Wave reflection, aortic SBP, and cardiovagal BRS responses to IHG and PEMI are not affected by resistance training in young healthy men.