Effect of Limb-Specific Resistance Training on Central and Peripheral Artery Stiffness in Young Adults: A Pilot Study

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of limb-specific resistance training on arterial stiffness in young adults. Twenty-four participants were randomly assigned to three groups: upper-limb resistance training (n = 8 (URT)), lower-limb resistance training (n = 8 (LRT)), and control group (n = 8 (CON)). Both URT and LRT groups performed the limb-specific resistance training at 70–80% of one-repetition maximum twice a week for 8 weeks. The aortic pulse wave velocity and augmentation index (AIx) were measured by the SphygmoCor XCEL to assess central artery stiffness. Peripheral artery stiffness was evaluated by brachial to radial artery pulse wave velocity (ArmPWV) and femoral to posterior tibial artery pulse wave velocity (LegPWV) using Doppler flowmeters. URT significantly reduced AIx (4.7 ± 3.0 vs. 0.3 ± 2.9%, pre vs. post, P = 0.01), and ArmPWV presented a tendency to decrease following URT (10.4 ± 0.3 vs. 8.6 ± 0.8 m/s, pre vs. post, P = 0.06). LRT showed no negative influence on central and peripheral artery stiffness. Changes in serum triglyceride and leg lean body mass after resistance training were significantly associated with changes in AIx and LegPWV, respectively. URT is beneficial in decreasing central artery wave reflection and may help to improve local peripheral artery stiffness even in healthy young adults.