Effects of Resistance Training Intensity on Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Adults

Abstract

PURPOSE Resistance exercise is an effective behavioral intervention for improving skeletal muscle mass and strength, and preventing sarcopenia. However, the effects of resistance exercise on arterial stiffness remain controversial. This study aimed to organize and analyze the effects of resistance training intensity on arterial stiffness in healthy adults without overt clinical disease. METHODS A thorough literature search was conducted to retrieve original research articles between 2000 and 2023 using the PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. RESULTS Long-term low-intensity resistance training (RT) was deemed a safe exercise intervention that can maintain or decrease arterial stiffness and increase muscle strength. Moreover, moderate-intensity RT was effective in improving muscle strength and hypertrophy but did not reduce arterial stiffness. High-intensity RT was an excellent intervention for enhancing muscle strength. However, a potential risk of increasing both central and peripheral artery stiffness in young adults was present. CONCLUSIONS Compared to low-intensity RT, moderate-to-high-intensity RT was more effective in improving muscle strength and hypertrophy, but may increase arterial stiffness.

Keywords

• resistance training
• exercise intensity
• arterial stiffness
• pulse wave velocity
• augmentation index