PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - S Maeda AU - T Otsuki AU - M Iemitsu AU - M Kamioka AU - J Sugawara AU - S Kuno AU - R Ajisaka AU - H Tanaka TI - Effects of leg resistance training on arterial function in older men AID - 10.1136/bjsm.2006.029538 DP - 2006 Oct 01 TA - British Journal of Sports Medicine PG - 867--869 VI - 40 IP - 10 4099 - http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/40/10/867.short 4100 - http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/40/10/867.full SO - Br J Sports Med2006 Oct 01; 40 AB - 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.