Progressive resistance training might improve vascular function in older women but not in older men

Objectives: Resistance exercise training increases strength and muscle mass in older adults however there is no consensus for its effect on arterial health. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of community based resistance training versus flexibility training on indicators of arterial stiffness and central blood pressure in healthy older adults and to test whether the effects of training are gender specific.

Design: A randomised crossover intervention study.

Methods: Forty-nine healthy elderly participants (23 males) aged 66.7 ± 4.3 years (mean ± SD) participated in this study which involved undertaking 16 weeks of resistance training and 16 weeks of flexibility training in a random order separated by a four week washout period of usual activity. Prior to and following each training protocol period, participants underwent testing of arterial stiffness as augmentation index; and central blood pressure.

Results: When all participants were compared no changes in any measure of arterial stiffness or central blood pressure following resistance training compared to flexibility training were found. When male and female participants were analysed separately, a statistically significant decrease in augmentation index was observed in females (−5.28%; 95% CI: −10.29 to −0.26; p = 0.04) but not males (+1.72%; 95% CI: −3.04 to 6.48; p = 0.48).

Conclusions: Community based resistance exercise training does not adversely affect vascular function in apparently healthy older adults and may actually improve arterial function in females.