Abstract

Background: Little information is available on the effect of strength training on vascular function, particularly in older people.

Objective: To determine the effect of resistance training on arterial stiffness and endothelial function in older adults.

Method: Eleven healthy men (mean (SEM) age 64 (1) years) performed 12 weeks of resistance training involving knee flexion and extension (three sets a day, two days a week).

Results: Resistance training increased maximal muscle power by 16% (p<0.0001). Arterial stiffness as assessed by aortic pulse wave velocity did not change with resistance training. Plasma concentration of nitric oxide (NO), measured as its stable end product (nitrite/nitrate), had increased (p<0.05) after resistance training (61.2 (10.4) v 39.6 (3.2) μmol/l). There was no change in plasma concentration of endothelin-1.

Conclusion: The results suggest that short term resistance training may increase NO production without stiffening central arteries in healthy older men.