Lower Leg High-Intensity Resistance Training and Peripheral Hemodynamic Adaptations

Abstract

High-intensity resistance (HIR) training has been associated with muscle hypertrophy and decreased microvascular density that might produce a blood flow limitation. The effect of HIR training on lower leg maximal blood flow and minimum vascular resistance (Rmin) during reactive hyperemia were investigated in 7 healthy males. The gastrocnemius-soleus muscles of one leg were trained using maximal isokinetic concentric contractions for 4 weeks; the nontrained leg was the control. Lower leg blood flow was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography. Lower leg muscle volume was determined using magnetic resonance imaging. Peak isokinetic torque increased in both the trained (T) and nontrained (NT) legs (p <.05). Lower leg muscle volume increased by 2% in the T leg only (p <.05). In the T leg, maximal blood flow decreased and Rmin increased (p <.05); no hemodynamic change was detected in the NT leg. It is concluded that HIR training of the calf muscles is associated with a decrease in hyperemia-induced blood flow; thereby, indicating a blood flow limitation to the calf muscles. Key words: Isokinetic strength training, reactive hyperemia