The Effect of Two Different Resistance Training Programs on Hemorheological Factors in Healthy Inactive Men

 Purpose

Based on controversies about the effects of resistance training on hemorheological parameters associated with cardiovascular disease, this study was carried out to determine the effect of 12 weeks of resistance training (hypertrophy and maximal strength) on hemorheological parameters in healthy inactive men.

Thirty nine collegiate men (18-20 years) were randomly divided into three groups: control (n =12), hypertrophy (n =13) and strength (n =13) training groups. Training groups participated in 12 weeks of resistance training (3 sessions / week, 6 stations / session and 3 times per station). Hypertrophy and maximal strength resistance training were performed at 65-70% and 80-85% of one repetition maximum, respectively. Blood samples were taken before and 48 hours after the training period and were analyzed for measuring the hemorheological variables. Hemorheological data were analyzed by using the independent one-way ANOVA.

The
significant reductions in total protein, plasma viscosity and aggregation of red blood cells in inactive men were found after 12 weeks of hypertrophy and maximal resistance training (P <0.05). Whereas, the deformability of red blood cells increased significantly in both resistance training groups (P<0.05). The reductions in the plasma viscosity was significantly higher in the hypertrophy training group than the strength training group (P <0.05). Moreover, a significant reduction in blood viscosity was only observed in the hypertrophy group (P <0.05).

Based on the findings of the present study it could be concluded that both hypertrophy and strength resistance training affect on rheological characteristics of red blood cells similarly, though, the hypertrophy resistance training results in more improvements in blood and plasma viscosity and eventually blood fluidity. Therefore, healthy inactive men can participate in resistance training to achieve benefits from these training without any concern and adverse changes in hemorheological parameters associated with thrombosis