Endurance versus resistance training in treatment of cardiovascular risk factors: A randomized cross-over trial.

Abstract

BackgroundIndividual variability in traditional cardiovascular risk factor responses to different exercise modalities has not been directly addressed in humans using a randomized cross-over design.MethodsBody weight and body mass index, resting blood pressure, blood glucose, insulin and lipids were assessed in 68 healthy untrained adults (26±6 years) who underwent three-months of exercise training targeted at improving cardiopulmonary fitness (endurance) and skeletal muscle function (resistance), separated by three-months washout.ResultsThere were significant increases in weight and body mass index following resistance (+0.8 kg, PConclusionWhilst, on average, 12 weeks of resistance or endurance did not change most cardiovascular risk factors, many subjects showed robust positive responses. Exercise modality had an impact on the proportion of subjects who responded to training, and non-response to one mode of training did not imply non-response to the alternate mode. Although the effect of exercise on a single risk factor may be modest, the effect on overall cardiovascular risk profile can be dramatic.Study registrationThe study was registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, which was published prior to recruitment and randomization (ACTRN12616001095459).