Progressive resistance training might improve vascular function in older women but not in older men.
OBJECTIVE
Resistance exercise training increases strength and muscle mass in older adults however there is no consensus for its effect on arterial health. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of community based resistance training versus flexibility training on indicators of arterial stiffness and central blood pressure in healthy older adults and to test whether the effects of training are gender specific.


METHODS
A randomised crossover intervention study.


METHODS
Forty-nine healthy elderly participants (23 males) aged 66.7±4.3 years (mean±SD) participated in this study which involved undertaking 16 weeks of resistance training and 16 weeks of flexibility training in a random order separated by a four week washout period of usual activity. Prior to and following each training protocol period, participants underwent testing of arterial stiffness as augmentation index; and central blood pressure.


RESULTS
When all participants were compared no changes in any measure of arterial stiffness or central blood pressure following resistance training compared to flexibility training were found. When male and female participants were analysed separately, a statistically significant decrease in augmentation index was observed in females (-5.28%; 95% CI: -10.29 to -0.26; p=0.04) but not males (+1.72%; 95% CI: -3.04 to 6.48; p=0.48).


CONCLUSIONS
Community based resistance exercise training does not adversely affect vascular function in apparently healthy older adults and may actually improve arterial function in females.
School of Human Life Sciences, University of Tasmania, Australia. Andrew.Williams@utas.edu.au
Andrew D
AD
Williams
Kiran D K
KD
Ahuja
Jodi B
JB
Almond
Iain K
IK
Robertson
Madeleine J
MJ
Ball
D000368:Aged; D001158:Arteries / Q000502:physiology*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises; D063177:Pulse Wave Analysis; D055070:Resistance Training; D012737:Sex Factors; D059289:Vascular Stiffness / Q000502:physiology*