Effects of eccentric and concentric resistance training on arterial stiffness

Abstract

It has been suggested that resistance training (RT) increases arterial stiffness. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the effect of eccentric RT (ERT) and concentric RT (CRT) on arterial stiffness in female adults by an interventional study. In total, 29 healthy female subjects were randomly assigned to either the ERT group (n ¼ 10), CRT group (n ¼ 10) or sedentary (SED) group (n ¼ 9). The ERT and CRT groups performed resistance training three times a week for 8 weeks. We determined brachial blood pressure, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), carotid artery intimamedial thickness (IMT) and carotid arterial lumen diameter before and after training and after detraining.The before-training baPWV did not differ significantly among the three groups. After 8 weeks of RT, arterial stiffness in the CRT group was increased compared with the ERT and SED group (Po0.05). However, brachial blood pressure, baPWV, carotid IMT and carotid lumen diameter in the ERT and CRT groups were unchanged by RT for 8 weeks. Consequently, it was clarified that arterial stiffness was not changed by ERT for 8 weeks. This suggests that ERT may be effective as an exercise prescription for middle-aged and elderly adults.

Effects of muscle contraction timing during resistance training on vascular function

“…24 However, high-intensity resistance training increased arterial stiffness. [10][11][12] On the basis of these results, resistance training may have to be prescribed carefully. The results of this study indicated that CRT increases arterial stiffness, whereas ERT suppresses arterial stiffness increases.…”

“…However, high-intensity resistance training reduces arterial compliance and increases arterial stiffness. [10][11][12] Muscle contractions during resistance training are performed by eccentric (ECC, lowering phase), concentric (CON, lifting phase) or isometric muscle contractions. Because ECC and CON are contraction modes accompanied by joint movement, they are widely used in typical resistance training.…”

“…14 In fact, a previous study reported that, although high-intensity ECC resistance training does not change arterial stiffness, high-intensity CON resistance training increases it. 12 Therefore, in normal resistance training during which ECC and CON are repeated, it is plausible to hypothesize that increased arterial stiffness may be prevented by differences in muscular contraction timing during resistance exercise. However, because previous studies performed ECC and CON individually, 12,13 the effects of the timing of the muscle contractions during normal resistance training on arterial stiffness are unknown.…”

“…12 Therefore, in normal resistance training during which ECC and CON are repeated, it is plausible to hypothesize that increased arterial stiffness may be prevented by differences in muscular contraction timing during resistance exercise. However, because previous studies performed ECC and CON individually, 12,13 the effects of the timing of the muscle contractions during normal resistance training on arterial stiffness are unknown. In addition, muscle contraction timing during resistance training must be understood to clarify the effect of resistance exercise on arterial stiffness.…”

Effects of low-intensity resistance training with slow lifting and lowering on vascular function

“…However, in contrast with the favorable effects of aerobic exercise, high-intensity resistance training may negatively affect vascular function. 1,2 Arterial blood pressure during high-intensity resistance exercise can increase to 320/250 mm Hg. 3 An extremely high blood pressure increase brings about an decrease of elastin and an increase of collagen, which regulates the elasticity of the artery.…”