The acute effects of resistance training on arterial stiffness: A systematic review

Abstract

The effects of resistance training (RT) and the potential role of isolated training variables on arterial stiffness (AS) remain inconclusive. This review summarises the current literature examining the acute effects of RT on AS from a distinct perspective, considering 'intensity of effort' as an independent loading variable, potentially affecting AS responses to RT.Design: Systematic review Methods: SPORTDiscus, PubMed/MEDLINE, CHINAHL and Google Scholar electronic databases were searched between 2000 and 2022. Randomised control trials, non-randomised or repeated measures comparative studies assessing arterial responses to acute RT protocols measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV) were included. Results:From the 645 articles identified, 16 articles were included. Ten studies reported a significant increase in carotidfemoral PWV (cfPWV) post-exercise (p < 0.05), with increases between 2% and 20.8% reported. Five studies found no significant differences in cfPWV while in one study femoral-dorsalis pedis PWV decreased by 14%. Loading intensities ranging from 30% to 95% of 1RM had an ambiguous effect on AS, although there was a trend towards increased AS following acute RT. Higher intensities of effort and slower repetition velocities appeared to further increase AS. Conclusions:Available evidence shows a trend for increased AS following acute RT. Nonetheless, it remains to be determined whether additional RT variables (e.g., intensity of effort, repetition duration) could attenuate or limit increases in AS. Further research, having more RT variables controlled, is needed to draw definite conclusions.

Operational Modal Analysis of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Measure of 2-Month Exercise Intervention Effects in Sedentary Older Adults with Diabetes and Cognitive Impairment

“…Since older adults with T2DM lack endurance and fatigue quickly [24], exercising at shorter duration may fit into their capacity better which may lead to better adherence. Then, on the cardiovascular side, resistance training has been associated with acute reductions in the elastic properties [25,26] while aerobic exercise training increases the elastic properties of central arteries [27]. Since acute reductions in the elastic properties [25] are sustained for <60 min after the completion of resistance exercise, it is likely due to the acute crosstalk between the autonomic nervous system and blood vessels [28].…”

“…Here, endothelial glycocalyx can be a shield against diabetic vascular complications [66] that can be negatively affected by the exercise induced acute stress responses especially at high-intensity interval exercise-induced oxidative stress [67]. Then, maximal exercise capacity was found to be positively associated with the microvascular glycocalyx thickness at baseline [68] and a deteriorated glycocalyx could initiate cardiovascular disease pathology [69] which can be a concern in high-intensity one-size-fits-all resistance training [25,26]. Therefore, individualized dosing of precision exercises may be key when shedding of glycocalyx components is a ubiquitous process that can change the physiology of the endothelium during dose response [70].…”