Exercise training modes and vascular adaptations

Abstract

Reduction of carotid arterial compliance and endothelial dysfunction are associated with advancing age and cardiovascular diseases. From the viewpoint of exercise physiology, exercise can be divided into that with aerobic components and that with resistance components. It is widely accepted that arterial compliance and endothelial function are improved by aerobic exercise training. On the other hand, it has been reported that resistance training decreases arterial compliance, but has no effect on endothelial function. In addition, according to research, combined aerobic and resistance training did not affect arterial compliance, which suggests that simultaneously performed aerobic training may negate and prevent the reduction in arterial compliance induced by resistance training. Considering the favorable effects of aerobic and resistance training on cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength, the author concludes it is necessary to perform both aerobic and resistance training to maintain and improve vascular and whole-body health.