Similar Effects of Acute Resistance Exercise on Carotid Stiffness in Males and Females

Abstract

Sex differences exist in vascular responses to blood pressure perturbations, such as resistance exercise. Increases in aortic stiffness following acute resistance exercise appear different between sexes, with attenuated increases in females vs. males. Whether sex differences exist in carotid stiffness, following resistance exercise is unknown. This study sought to examine sex differences in carotid stiffness, aortic stiffness, and hemodynamics following acute resistance exercise. Thirty-five participants (18 male) completed 3 sets of 10 repetitions of maximal isokinetic knee extension/flexion. Aortic stiffness and hemodynamics were estimated using an automated oscillometric blood pressure monitor at baseline, 5- and 30-min post-exercise. Carotid stiffness was assessed by β-stiffness index, pressure-strain elastic modulus and arterial compliance using ultrasonography. Resistance exercise increased aortic stiffness, mean and systolic pressure at 5-min (p<0.01), and pressure-strain elastic modulus at 5-min in both sexes (p<0.05). Arterial compliance decreased at 5- and 30-min post exercise in both sexes (p<0.01). No interaction effects were detected in carotid stiffness, aortic stiffness, and hemodynamics, indicating similar vascular responses between sexes. Our findings indicate that the large arteries appear to stiffen similarly following resistance exercise in males and females when presented with similar blood pressure responses.

Effect of Exercise on Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Young, Middle-Aged and Older Women: A Systematic Review

“…Meanwhile, for RT, which is the most commonly studied type of exercise among middle-aged women, there are two studies [ 41 , 45 ] that reported positive effects on arterial stiffness in middle-aged women (about 10.97% improvement), while five others do not [ 20 , 38 , 39 , 46 , 48 ]. The lack of changes following RT in this age group could be due to multifactorial reasons, (i) exercise intensity, (ii) mode of contraction, and (iii) muscle group tested.…”

“…Although low–moderate intensity RT based on RM and body weight showed a positive effect on arterial stiffness [ 41 , 45 ], several other studies reported that light-intensity RT based on RM has either a detrimental effect or no effect on vascular health [ 38 , 46 , 48 ], while high-intensity RT with maximal isokinetic knee extension/flexion also has a negative effect on arterial stiffness [ 39 ] in middle-aged women. In addition, to a lesser extent, the menstrual cycle could also influence the effect of exercise on arterial stiffness among middle-aged women [ 41 ].…”

High-Intensity Interval Training Combined with Different Types of Exercises on Cardiac Autonomic Function. An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study in CrossFit® Athletes

“…A recent study has shown that endurance training positively affects arterial stiffness [57]. On the other hand, studies have shown no changes in arterial stiffness after resistance exercise [58][59][60]. HIIT studies may positively affect arterial stiffness [61,62]; however, this is controversial [63].…”

The Effect of a Single Bout of Resistance Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction on Arterial Stiffness in Older People with Slow Gait Speed: A Pilot Randomized Study

“…In healthy young people, traditional strength training (TRE) at intensities ≥ 60% 1RM induces an acute increase in arterial stiffness that is reflected by an augmentation of the pulse-wave velocity (PWV) [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. An increase in arterial stiffness is thought to be a result of metaboreflex activation and higher sympathetic activity that causes a rise in blood pressure [ 11 ] and an elevated endothelin-1 concentration, leading to vasoconstriction [ 12 ].…”