Resistance Training Effects on Arterial Compliance in Premenopausal Women

Endurance training has been shown to increase arterial compliance; however, the effect of resistance training is unclear. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect lower body resistance training on arterial compliance in healthy premenopausal women. Methods: Thirty-two women were assigned to a resistance training group (n = 21) or a control group (n = 11). Large (C1) and small (C2) arterial compliance (Pulse Contour Analysis) were measured at baseline and after twelve weeks of training. Results: Two-way (group × time) repeated measured ANOVA did not detect significant group, time effects or group × time interactions for small arterial compliance (P > 0.05). There was a significant time effect for large arterial compliance (P < 0.05), which increased in both groups. Conclusions: In contrast to previous studies in men, which found decrease in arterial compliance with resistance training, no decrease in arterial compliance was observed.