The comparison the effect of resistance training versus aerobic training on endothelial function in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

   Exercise training leads to the improvement of endothelial function; however, the effect of resistance training versus aerobic exercise on endothelial function is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of resistance training versus aerobic training on endothelial function in adults.

A search was performed in the electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar until January 13, 2023 for studies of resistance training versus aerobic training on the FMD (flow-mediated dilation) index. The keywords used included "resistance training", "aerobic training" and "endothelial function". Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval were calculated using CMA2 software in order to determine the effect size.

  A total of 12 studies with 473 participants were included to meta-analysis with age and BMI range 21 to 71 years and 24 to 32 kg/m2, respectively. The results of the present meta-analysis showed that both types of resistance and aerobic training lead to an improvement in FMD and there was no significant difference between the two types of training [-0.37 (CI: -1.17 to 0.43), p=0.549]. However, there was a high and significant heterogeneity (I2=61.65, p=0.001).

The results of the present study showed that both resistance and aerobic training protocols lead to improvement of endothelial function in adults, which may lead to improvement of cardiovascular function and, subsequently, reduction of cardiovascular diseases induced mortality.