Effects of resistance training on arterial elasticity and C-reactive protein in premenopausal women.

Abstract

Endurance training has been shown to increase elasticity of the arteries; however, the effect of resistance training on arterial elasticity is unclear. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a twelve week resistance training program on arterial elasticity and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) in healthy premenopausal women. Methods. Thirty-two women were assigned to a resistance training group (n = 21) or a control group (n = 11). The training group trained 3 days/week for 12 weeks for 7 lower body exercises. After 4 weeks of training the load was adjusted so the subjects continued to exercise at 80% of their 1-RM. Large (C1) and small (C2) arterial elasticity (Pulse Contour Analysis), the inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein (CRP), and body composition (DXA) were measured at baseline and after twelve weeks of training. Results. There were no significant (p > 0.05) group differences at baseline in age, height, weight, arterial elasticity, CRP levels, or strength. Two-way (group x time) repeated measured ANOVA did not detect significant group, time effects or group*time interactions for small arterial elasticity or CRP (p > 0.05). There was a significant time effect for large arterial elasticity (p < 0.05), which increased in both groups. Conclusions. In contrast to previous studies in men which found decrease in arterial elasticity with resistance training, no decrease in arterial elasticity was evident, and no change in systemic inflammation was observed. Resistance training did not have a significant effect on large and small arterial elasticity or on the inflammatory marker in this group of premenopausal women.