Resting cardiovascular function improvements in adult men following resistance training

Abstract

Impaired cardiovascular function increases the risk for fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease, renal disease and all-cause mortality. Research has demonstrated an inverse relationship between these cardiovascular impairments and exercise. However, previous research has mainly focused on aerobic training since regular resistance-trained men tend to display higher blood pressures due to decreased arterial compliance and increased arterial stiffness. Thus, the aim of the study was to determine the effects of eight weeks of progressive resistance training on cardiovascular functioning as depicted by resting heart rate (RHR), systolic blood pressure (RSBP), diastolic blood pressure (RDBP), rate-pressure product (RRPP) and mean arterial pressure (RMAP). Twenty eight inactive men were assigned to either a resistance training group (ResG) (n = 13) or non-exercising control group (ConG) (n = 15). Eight weeks of resistance training resulted in significant (p < 0.05) changes in cardiovascular parameters, which are: RSBP (p < 0.001), RDBP (p < 0.001), RMAP (p < 0.001) and RRPP (p < 0.001), but not RHR (p = 0.441). This study indicates that resistance training improves cardiovascular function in adult men possibly resulting in cardioprotective benefits.

Key words: Blood pressure, heart rate, hemodynamic responses, strength training, vascular function.