The Relationship Between Arterial Stiffness and Resistance Training

Abstract

Exercise is a critical factor that impacts arterial stiffness. In this narrative review, we noted multiple findings that could not be reconciled with one another. Some studies indicated that arterial stiffness increases after a regimen of resistance training. However, such studies were limited by a lack of specification of the resistance training protocols, as well as varying results reported from different areas of the body, undermining the internal validity of the studies. Another factor explored in this review was how the order of performing exercises can affect arterial stiffness. Low-intensity resistance training before high-intensity resistance training resulted in increased arterial stiffness, whereas vice versa showed no change in arterial stiffness. Other studies indicated that resistance exercise results in reduced arterial stiffness. Intensity is a variable in studies that produces inconsistent results of arterial stiffness, with some studies suggesting high-intensity resistance training increases arterial stiffness and low-intensity resistance training decreases arterial stiffness, while other studies pointing to a significant decrease in arterial stiffness, regardless of the intensity of resistance training. Demographic factors such as gender, age, and diet play an important role in explaining these differences. In terms of future implications, there is potential clinical significance as increased arterial stiffness serves as a prognostic marker in diagnosing coronary heart disease.

Ursolic acid enhances the effect of exercise training on vascular aging by reducing oxidative stress in aged type 2 diabetic rats

“…This can strengthen the argument that resistance and endurance training does not affect the vascular function, and moderate‐intensity endurance/resistance training causes no significant change in arterial stiffness of old male Wistar rats with HFD/STZ‐induced T2D. This indicates that the impact of endurance/resistance training on vascular function of old male Wistar rats with HFD/STZ‐induced T2D is not as great, or the resistance training performed was not effective at changing vascular function biomarkers, which could be the same with many of the studies showing no change in vascular function (Tabaie et al, 2021 ). Different studies showed no significant changes in vascular function following resistance training (Augustine et al, 2014 ; Croymans et al, 2014 ; Kujawski et al, 2018 ).…”

“…This indicates that the impact of endurance/resistance training on vascular function of old male Wistar rats with HFD/STZ-induced T2D is not as great, or the resistance training performed was not effective at changing vascular function biomarkers, which could be the same with many of the studies showing no change in vascular function (Tabaie et al, 2021). Different studies showed no significant changes in vascular function following resistance training (Augustine et al, 2014;Croymans et al, 2014;Kujawski et al, 2018).…”

Acute effects of energy drink on arterial stiffness and endothelial function in young male bodybuilders with habitual caffeine consumption

“…The unfavorable effects of resistance exercise on arterial stiffness rely on training intensity. Some studies have suggested that arterial stiffness is increased by high-intensity resistance exercise, but it is decreased by low-intensity resistance training [8]. Other studies have demonstrated that arterial stiffness decreases notably irrespective of resistance training intensity [8].…”

“…Some studies have suggested that arterial stiffness is increased by high-intensity resistance exercise, but it is decreased by low-intensity resistance training [8]. Other studies have demonstrated that arterial stiffness decreases notably irrespective of resistance training intensity [8]. This inconsistent finding leads to the discrepancy in performing resistance training on arterial stiffness.…”

Acute cardiovascular responses to unilateral bicep curls with blood flow restriction

“…Arterial stiffness has been shown to acutely increase during RE, 8 which can last for approximately 1 h during the recovery following exercise, 9 and the magnitude of increase vary by the intensity of exercise. 10 However, very few studies on how RE with BFR alters this acute arterial stiffening response to RE showed conflicting findings, where acute LIRE with BFR demonstrated both positive and negative effects on arterial stiffness in healthy young people. 11 In addition, original data indicated possible safety concerns over BFR that restriction of blood flow to the working muscles may exaggerate cardiovascular stress during exercise.…”