Effects of two different types of resistance training on arterial stiffness in young men.

Background and It has been suggested that resistance training (RT), especially when using high loads, increases central arterial stiffness. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of low- versus high-load RT on arterial stiffness in young healthy men. Participants (mean age 26.4±5.2 yrs; mean height 1.78±0.05 m; mean weight 79.2±6.4 kg; mean body mass index 24.9±1.5 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to a low-load RT where 25±3 repetitions to lifting failure were performed per set of exercise (LLLF, n =14), a high-load RT where 10±3 repetitions to lifting failure were performed per set of exercise (HLLF, n =13), or a control group who maintained their regular activity habits (Ctrl, n =13). Subjects in LLLF and HLLF groups performed RT three times a week for 10 weeks. Central arterial stiffness significantly increased in HLLF group after training (P=0/007), but no such changes were observed in the LLLF (P=0/12) or the Ctrl (P=0/177) group. In addition, analyses of covariance revealed significant mean difference between HLLF and LLLF (P=0/001) groups and between HLLF and Ctrl (P=0/001) groups in central arterial stiffness. These results suggest that, unlike the HLLF training protocol, LLLF protocol does not unfavorably affect central arterial stiffness in young men.