title: Resistance training and arterial compliance: keeping the benefits while minimizing the stiffening.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to determine the effects of moderate resistance training as well as the combined resistance and aerobic training intervention on carotid arterial compliance.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Resistance training has become a popular mode of exercise, but intense weight training is shown to stiffen carotid arteries.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-nine young healthy men were assigned either to the moderate-intensity resistance training (MODE), the combined resistance training and endurance training (COMBO) or the sedentary control (CONTROL) groups. Participants in the training groups underwent three training sessions per week for 4 months followed by four additional months of detraining.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All training groups increased maximal strength in all the muscle groups tested (P < 0.05). Carotid arterial compliance (via simultaneous carotid ultrasound and applanation tonometry) decreased approximately 20% after MODE training (from 0.20 +/- 0.01 to 0.16 +/- 0.01 mm2/mmHg, P < 0.01). No significant changes in carotid arterial compliance were observed in the COMBO (0.20 +/- 0.01 to 0.23 +/- 0.01 mm2/mmHg) and CONTROL (0.20 +/- 0.01 to 0.20 +/- 0.01 mm2/mmHg) groups. Following the detraining period, carotid arterial compliance returned to the baseline level. Peripheral (femoral) artery compliance did not change in any groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We concluded that simultaneously performed aerobic exercise training could prevent the stiffening of carotid arteries caused by resistance training in young healthy men.
authors.affiliation: Division of Health Promotion and Exercise, National Institute of Health and Nutrition, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kawano
authors.forename: Hirofumi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tanaka
authors.forename: Motohiko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Miyachi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000473:pathology*; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D017379:Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010807:Physical Endurance; D010809:Physical Fitness; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000473:pathology; D017540:Tunica Media / Q000473:pathology; D014655:Vascular Resistance