The Effect of Circuit Resistance Training on Plasma Concentration of Endothelin-1, Nitric Oxide and Vascular Diameter in Elderly Men

aging is associated with an increase in vascular dysfunction but it can be prevented by exercise training. However, the effect of circuit resistance training as a useful training method in improving cardio-respiratory and muscular strength is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CRT on plasma endothelin-1, nitric oxide (NO) and vascular size in aged men. Twenty healthy aged men (55 ± 5 year) were randomly divided into control and CRT groups. CRT group performed circuit resistance training with 40 - 60 one repetition maximum for twelve weeks (3 times per week). Vascular size, plasma endothelin-1 and NO, blood pressure and heart rate were measured forty eight hours before and after the training period. CRT increased the vascular size and decreased endothelin-1 and systolic blood pressure compared to the pre-test; however, it had no effect on NO concentration and heart rate. In comparison with the control group, CRT significantly increased the vascular size and decreased endothelin-1 and blood pressure but there was no significant difference in NO concentration and heart rate between the two groups. Circuit resistance training as a proper training method could induce the increase in endothelial function in aged individual and prevents vascular dysfunction related to aging.