The effects of strength training on central arterial compliance in middle-aged and older adults:

Background Contrary to aerobic exercise, strength training (ST) is associated with decreased central arterial compliance in young men. It is unknown whether ST, with or without concurrent endurance training, would have a similar effect in older adults with reduced baseline arterial compliance.Objective The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of a ST program on central arterial compliance in middle-aged and older adults.Design Randomized, controlled intervention study in which 37 healthy, sedentary men and women (52 ± 2 years) performed 13 weeks of ST (n = 13), ST + aerobic exercise (n = 12) or stretching exercises as a control group (n = 12).Methods Participants were rigorously screened for cardiovascular disease and underwent pre-post testing for carotid arterial compliance (via simultaneous ultrasound and applanation tonometry), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, plasma endothelin-1 and angiotensin II concentrations and carotid artery vasoreactivity (cold pressor test).Results ST per...