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Effects of strength training vs. stretching on central arterial compliance in older adults
Author(s) -
CortezCooper Miriam Yvette,
Anton Maria M.,
DeVan Allison E.,
Neidre Daria B.,
Cook Jill N.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.20.4.a814-c
Subject(s) - medicine , strength training , aerobic exercise , compliance (psychology) , population , cardiology , blood pressure , physical therapy , heart rate , psychology , social psychology , environmental health
Contrary to aerobic exercise, strength training is associated with decreased central arterial compliance in young men. It is unknown whether strength training would have a similar effect in older adults with reduced baseline arterial compliance. Moreover, there are no data on the effects of combined strength training and aerobic exercise on arterial compliance in this population. Thirty‐seven healthy, sedentary men and women 40 to 78 years of age were randomized into either a stretching control (n=12), strength training (n=13) or strength plus endurance training (n=12) group for 13 weeks. Heart rate at rest, brachial blood pressure, and plasma concentrations of glucose and cholesterol did not change in any of the groups. Both strength training and combination training improved maximal strength in all major muscle groups and increased total lean body mass (both P<0.01). There was a modest but non‐significant decrease in carotid artery compliance (via simultaneous ultrasound and applanation tonometry) following strength training (10%) and a smaller reduction with combination training (4%). Carotid artery compliance increased significantly (23%) following stretching. We concluded that 1) 13 weeks of strength training does not appreciably reduce central arterial compliance in older adults, 2) strength training may negate the positive effects of aerobic exercise when they are performed simultaneously, and 3) regular stretching may increase arterial compliance. Supported by NIH awards AG20966 and HL072729 and the government of Spain.