Skip to main content
Springer Nature Link
Log in

Impact of high- and low-intensity resistance training on arterial stiffness and blood pressure in adults across the lifespan: a review

  • Invited Review
  • Published:
Pflügers Archiv - European Journal of Physiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Resistance training (RT) is performed for improvements in body composition in young healthy adults and for health benefits in middle-aged and older adults. Traditionally, RT is prescribed at moderate- to high-intensity to promote benefits on skeletal muscle mass and strength in middle-aged and older adults without considering the vascular effects. Recent evidence suggests that muscle strength may be more protective than muscle mass for cardiovascular disease prevention and that muscle strength can be importantly improved with low-intensity RT. The main purpose of this review was to examine the effects of RT intensity on arterial stiffness and blood pressure (peripheral and central) in young and older adults. Although small increases in central arterial stiffness (carotid β and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity [PWV]) have been reported in young and middle-aged men, this review suggests that low- and high-intensity RT may not affect arterial stiffness whereas low-intensity RT may decrease systemic arterial stiffness (brachial-ankle PWV) in young healthy adults or not affect arterial stiffness in middle-aged and older adults. Independently of the intensity, RT may be effective to reduce blood pressure (peripheral and central) in middle-aged and older adults with at least elevated blood pressure at baseline. Further studies are needed to examine the impact of RT on arterial stiffness, central blood pressure, and wave reflection in middle-aged and older adults.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Abbatecola AM, Chiodini P, Gallo C, Lakatta E, Sutton-Tyrrell K, Tylavsky FA, Goodpaster B, de Rekeneire N, Schwartz AV, Paolisso G, Harris T (2012) Pulse wave velocity is associated with muscle mass decline: health ABC study. Age (Dordr) 34:469–478. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-011-9238-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Artero EG, Lee DC, Ruiz JR, Sui X, Ortega FB, Church TS, Lavie CJ, Castillo MJ, Blair SN (2011) A prospective study of muscular strength and all-cause mortality in men with hypertension. J Am Coll Cardiol 57:1831–1837

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  3. Ashor AW, Lara J, Siervo M, Celis-Morales C, Mathers JC (2014) Effects of exercise modalities on arterial stiffness and wave reflection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS One 9:e110034. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0110034

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  4. Beck DT, Casey DP, Martin JS, Emerson BD, Braith RW (2013) Exercise training improves endothelial function in young prehypertensives. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 238:433–441. https://doi.org/10.1177/1535370213477600

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Beck DT, Martin JS, Casey DP, Braith RW (2013) Exercise training reduces peripheral arterial stiffness and myocardial oxygen demand in young prehypertensive subjects. Am J Hypertens 26:1093–1102

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  6. Beijers HJBH, Ferreira I, Bravenboer B, Henry RMA, Schalkwijk CG, Dekker JM, Nijpels G, Stehouwer CDA (2014) Higher central fat mass and lower peripheral lean mass are independent determinants of endothelial dysfunction in the elderly: the Hoorn study. Atherosclerosis 233:310–318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2013.12.002

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Berry KL, Cameron JD, Dart AM, Dewar EM, Gatzka CD, Jennings GL, Liang YL, Reid CM, Kingwell BA (2004) Large-artery stiffness contributes to the greater prevalence of systolic hypertension in elderly women. J Am Geriatr Soc 52:368–373

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Bonde-Petersen F, Mørk A, Nielsen E (1975) Local muscle blood flow and sustained contractions of human arm and back muscles. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol 34:43–50

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Carlson DJ, Dieberg G, Hess NC, Millar PJ, Smart NA (2014) Isometric exercise training for blood pressure management: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Mayo Clin Proc 89:327–334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2013.10.030

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Casey DP, Beck DT, Braith RW (2007) Progressive resistance training without volume increases does not alter arterial stiffness and aortic wave reflection. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 232:1228–1235. https://doi.org/10.3181/0703-RM-65

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Casey DP, Pierce GL, Howe KS, Mering MC, Braith RW (2007) Effect of resistance training on arterial wave reflection and brachial artery reactivity in normotensive postmenopausal women. Eur J Appl Physiol 100:403–408

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Chirinos JA, Kips JG, Jacobs DR Jr, Brumback L, Duprez DA, Kronmal R, Bluemke DA, Townsend RR, Vermeersch S, Segers P (2012) Arterial wave reflections and incident cardiovascular events and heart failure: MESA (multiethnic study of atherosclerosis). J Am Coll Cardiol 60:2170–2177

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  13. Choo J, Shin C, Barinas-Mitchell E, Masaki K, Willcox BJ, Seto TB, Ueshima H, Lee S, Miura K, Venkitachalam L, Mackey RH, Evans RW, Kuller LH, Sutton-Tyrrell K, Sekikawa A (2014) Regional pulse wave velocities and their cardiovascular risk factors among healthy middle-aged men: a cross-sectional population-based study. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 14:5. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2261-14-5

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  14. Collier SR, Frechette V, Sandberg K, Schafer P, Ji H, Smulyan H, Fernhall B (2011) Sex differences in resting hemodynamics and arterial stiffness following 4 weeks of resistance versus aerobic exercise training in individuals with pre-hypertension to stage 1 hypertension. Biol Sex Differ 2:9. https://doi.org/10.1186/2042-6410-2-9

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  15. Collier SR, Kanaley JA, Carhart R Jr, Frechette V, Tobin MM, Hall AK, Luckenbaugh AN, Fernhall B (2008) Effect of 4 weeks of aerobic or resistance exercise training on arterial stiffness, blood flow and blood pressure in pre- and stage-1 hypertensives. J Hum Hypertens 22:678–686. https://doi.org/10.1038/jhh.2008.36

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Cornelissen VA, Fagard RH, Coeckelberghs E, Vanhees L (2011) Impact of resistance training on blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials. Hypertension 58:950–958

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Cornelissen VA, Smart NA (2013) Exercise training for blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Heart Assoc 2:e004473. https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.112.004473

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  18. Cortez-Cooper MY, Anton MM, Devan AE, Neidre DB, Cook JN, Tanaka H (2008) The effects of strength training on central arterial compliance in middle-aged and older adults. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil 15:149–155. https://doi.org/10.1097/HJR.0b013e3282f02fe2

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Cortez-Cooper MY, DeVan AE, Anton MM, Farrar RP, Beckwith KA, Todd JS, Tanaka H (2005) Effects of high intensity resistance training on arterial stiffness and wave reflection in women. Am J Hypertens 18:930–934. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjhyper.2005.01.008

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Coutinho T, Borlaug BA, Pellikka PA, Turner ST, Kullo IJ (2013) Sex differences in arterial stiffness and ventricular-arterial interactions. J Am Coll Cardiol 61:96–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2012.08.997

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Croymans DM, Krell SL, Oh CS, Katiraie M, Lam CY, Harris RA, Roberts CK (2014) Effects of resistance training on central blood pressure in obese young men. J Hum Hypertens 28:157–164. https://doi.org/10.1038/jhh.2013.81

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. DeVan AE, Anton MM, Cook JN, Neidre DB, Cortez-Cooper MY, Tanaka H (2005) Acute effects of resistance exercise on arterial compliance. J Appl Physiol 98:2287–2291

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Fahs CA, Heffernan KS, Fernhall B (2009) Hemodynamic and vascular response to resistance exercise with L-arginine. Med Sci Sports Exerc 41:773–779

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Fahs CA, Heffernan KS, Ranadive S, Jae SY, Fernhall B (2010) Muscular strength is inversely associated with aortic stiffness in young men. Med Sci Sports Exerc 42:1619–1624. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181d8d834

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Fahs CA, Rossow LM, Thiebaud RS, Loenneke JP, Kim D, Abe T, Beck TW, Feeback DL, Bemben DA, Bemben MG (2014) Vascular adaptations to low-load resistance training with and without blood flow restriction. Eur J Appl Physiol 114:715–724

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Fahs CA, Thiebaud RS, Rossow LM, Loenneke JP, Bemben DA, Bemben MG (2017) Relationships between central arterial stiffness, lean body mass, and absolute and relative strength in young and older men and women. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 38:676–680. https://doi.org/10.1111/cpf.12467

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Figueroa A, Arjmandi BH, Wong A, Sanchez-Gonzalez MA, Simonavice E, Daggy B (2013) Effects of hypocaloric diet, low-intensity resistance exercise with slow movement, or both on aortic hemodynamics and muscle mass in obese postmenopausal women. Menopause 20:967–972

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Figueroa A, Park SY, Seo DY, Sanchez-Gonzalez MA, Baek YH (2011) Combined resistance and endurance exercise training improves arterial stiffness, blood pressure, and muscle strength in postmenopausal women. Menopause 18:980–984. https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0b013e3182135442

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Figueroa A, Vicil F, Sanchez-Gonzalez MA, Wong A, Ormsbee MJ, Hooshmand S, Daggy B (2013) Effects of diet and/or low-intensity resistance exercise training on arterial stiffness, adiposity, and lean mass in obese postmenopausal women. Am J Hypertens 26:416–423

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Franklin SS (2005) Arterial stiffness and hypertension: a two-way street? Hypertension 45:349–351

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Green DJ, Maiorana A, O'driscoll G, Taylor R (2004) Effect of exercise training on endothelium-derived nitric oxide function in humans. J Physiol 561:1–25

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  32. Han K, Park YM, Kwon HS, Ko SH, Lee SH, Yim HW, Lee WC, Park YG, Kim MK, Park YM (2014) Sarcopenia as a determinant of blood pressure in older Koreans: findings from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) 2008-2010. PLoS One 9:e86902. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0086902

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  33. Hasegawa N, Fujie S, Horii N, Miyamoto-Mikami E, Tsuji K, Uchida M, Hamaoka T, Tabata I, Iemitsu M (2018) Effects of different exercise modes on arterial stiffness and nitric oxide synthesis. Med Sci Sports Exerc 50:1177–1185

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Heffernan KS, Fahs CA, Iwamoto GA, Jae SY, Wilund KR, Woods JA, Fernhall B (2009) Resistance exercise training reduces central blood pressure and improves microvascular function in African American and white men. Atherosclerosis 207:220–226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.03.043

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Heffernan KS, Jae SY, Edwards DG, Kelly EE, Fernhall B (2007) Arterial stiffness following repeated Valsalva maneuvers and resistance exercise in young men. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 32:257–264. https://doi.org/10.1139/h06-107

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Heffernan KS, Yoon ES, Sharman JE, Davies JE, Shih YT, Chen CH, Fernhall B, Jae SY (2013) Resistance exercise training reduces arterial reservoir pressure in older adults with prehypertension and hypertension. Hypertens Res 36:422–427

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Heistad DD, Abboud FM (1980) Dickinson W. Richards lecture: circulatory adjustments to hypoxia. Circulation 61:463–470

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Jefferson ME, Nicklas BJ, Chmelo EA, Crotts CI, Shaltout HA, Diz DI, Marsh AP, Brinkley TE (2015) Effects of resistance training with and without caloric restriction on arterial stiffness in overweight and obese older adults. Am J Hypertens 29:494–500

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  39. Kaess BM, Rong J, Larson MG, Hamburg NM, Vita JA, Levy D, Benjamin EJ, Vasan RS, Mitchell GF (2012) Aortic stiffness, blood pressure progression, and incident hypertension. Jama 308:875–881

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  40. Kannel WB (1996) Blood pressure as a cardiovascular risk factor: prevention and treatment. JAMA 275:1571–1576

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Kawano H, Tanimoto M, Yamamoto K, Sanada K, Gando Y, Tabata I, Higuchi M, Miyachi M (2008) Resistance training in men is associated with increased arterial stiffness and blood pressure but does not adversely affect endothelial function as measured by arterial reactivity to the cold pressor test. Exp Physiol 93:296–302. https://doi.org/10.1113/expphysiol.2007.039867

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Kelley GA, Kelley KA, Tran ZV (2001) Aerobic exercise and resting blood pressure: a meta-analytic review of randomized, controlled trials. Prev Cardiol 4:73–80

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  43. Kim H-S, Kim D-G (2013) Effect of long-term resistance exercise on body composition, blood lipid factors, and vascular compliance in the hypertensive elderly men. J Exerc Rehabil 9:271–277

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  44. Kingsley JD, Figueroa A (2012) Effects of resistance exercise training on resting and post-exercise forearm blood flow and wave reflection in overweight and obese women. J Hum Hypertens 26:684–690. https://doi.org/10.1038/jhh.2011.82

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Kingwell BA (2002) Large artery stiffness: implications for exercise capacity and cardiovascular risk. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 29:214–217

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Kohara K, Ochi M, Tabara Y, Nagai T, Igase M, Miki T (2012) Arterial stiffness in sarcopenic visceral obesity in the elderly: J-SHIPP study. Int J Cardiol 158:146–148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcard.2012.04.033

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Li Y, Hanssen H, Cordes M, Rossmeissl A, Endes S, Schmidt-Trucksass A (2015) Aerobic, resistance and combined exercise training on arterial stiffness in normotensive and hypertensive adults: a review. Eur J Sport Sci 15:443–457. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2014.955129

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. MacDonald HV, Johnson BT, Huedo-Medina TB, Livingston J, Forsyth KC, Kraemer WJ, Farinatti PT, Pescatello LS (2016) Dynamic resistance training as stand-alone antihypertensive lifestyle therapy: a meta-analysis. J Am Heart Assoc 5. https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.116.003231

  49. MacDougall JD, Tuxen D, Sale DG, Moroz JR, Sutton JR (1985) Arterial blood pressure response to heavy resistance exercise. J Appl Physiol (1985) 58:785–790. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1985.58.3.785

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Maeda S, Miyauchi T, Iemitsu M, Sugawara J, Nagata Y, Goto K (2004) Resistance exercise training reduces plasma endothelin-1 concentration in healthy young humans. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 44:S443–S446

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Maeda S, Otsuki T, Iemitsu M, Kamioka M, Sugawara J, Kuno S, Ajisaka R, Tanaka H (2006) Effects of leg resistance training on arterial function in older men. Br J Sports Med 40:867–869

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  52. Mancia G, De Backer G, Dominiczak A, Cifkova R, Fagard R, Germano G, Grassi G, Heagerty AM, Kjeldsen SE, Laurent S, Narkiewicz K, Ruilope L, Rynkiewicz A, Schmieder RE, Struijker Boudier HA, Zanchetti A, Vahanian A, Camm J, De Caterina R, Dean V, Dickstein K, Filippatos G, Funck-Brentano C, Hellemans I, Kristensen SD, McGregor K, Sechtem U, Silber S, Tendera M, Widimsky P, Zamorano JL, Erdine S, Kiowski W, Agabiti-Rosei E, Ambrosioni E, Lindholm LH, Manolis A, Nilsson PM, Redon J, Struijker-Boudier HA, Viigimaa M, Adamopoulos S, Bertomeu V, Clement D, Farsang C, Gaita D, Lip G, Mallion JM, Manolis AJ, O'Brien E, Ponikowski P, Ruschitzka F, Tamargo J, van Zwieten P, Waeber B, Williams B, The task force for the management of arterial hypertension of the European Society of H, The task force for the management of arterial hypertension of the European Society of C (2007) 2007 guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension: the task force for the management of arterial hypertension of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) and of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Eur Heart J 28:1462–1536. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehm236

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. McEniery CM, Cockcroft JR, Roman MJ, Franklin SS, Wilkinson IB (2014) Central blood pressure: current evidence and clinical importance. Eur Heart J 35:1719–1725. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/eht565

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  54. Mitchell CJ, Churchward-Venne TA, West DW, Burd NA, Breen L, Baker SK, Phillips SM (2012) Resistance exercise load does not determine training-mediated hypertrophic gains in young men. J Appl Physiol 113:71–77

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  55. Mitchell J, Payne F, Saltin B, Schibye B (1980) The role of muscle mass in the cardiovascular response to static contractions. J Physiol 309:45–54

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  56. Miyachi M (2013) Effects of resistance training on arterial stiffness: a meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med 47:393–396. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2012-090488

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Miyachi M, Kawano H, Sugawara J, Takahashi K, Hayashi K, Yamazaki K, Tabata I, Tanaka H (2004) Unfavorable effects of resistance training on central arterial compliance: a randomized intervention study. Circulation 110:2858–2863. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.CIR.0000146380.08401.99

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Montero D, Vinet A, Roberts CK (2015) Effect of combined aerobic and resistance training versus aerobic training on arterial stiffness. Int J Cardiol 178:69–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.10.147

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Nurnberger J, Dammer S, Opazo Saez A, Philipp T, Schafers RF (2003) Diastolic blood pressure is an important determinant of augmentation index and pulse wave velocity in young, healthy males. J Hum Hypertens 17:153–158

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. O'Rourke MF, Staessen JA, Vlachopoulos C, Duprez D, Plante GE (2002) Clinical applications of arterial stiffness; definitions and reference values. Am J Hypertens 15:426–444

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Ochi M, Kohara K, Tabara Y, Kido T, Uetani E, Ochi N, Igase M, Miki T (2010) Arterial stiffness is associated with low thigh muscle mass in middle-aged to elderly men. Atherosclerosis 212:327–332. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2010.05.026

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Okamoto T, Masuhara M, Ikuta K (2006) Effects of eccentric and concentric resistance training on arterial stiffness. J Hum Hypertens 20:348–354. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jhh.1001979

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Okamoto T, Masuhara M, Ikuta K (2008) Effects of low-intensity resistance training with slow lifting and lowering on vascular function. J Hum Hypertens 22:509–511

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Okamoto T, Masuhara M, Ikuta K (2009) Effects of muscle contraction timing during resistance training on vascular function. J Hum Hypertens 23:470–478

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Okamoto T, Masuhara M, Ikuta K (2009) Home-based resistance training improves arterial stiffness in healthy premenopausal women. Eur J Appl Physiol 107:113–117

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Okamoto T, Masuhara M, Ikuta K (2009) Low-intensity resistance exercise with slow lifting and lowering does not increase noradrenalin and cardiovascular responses. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 29:32–37

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Okamoto T, Masuhara M, Ikuta K (2009) Upper but not lower limb resistance training increases arterial stiffness in humans. Eur J Appl Physiol 107:127–134. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-009-1110-x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Okamoto T, Masuhara M, Ikuta K (2011) Effect of low-intensity resistance training on arterial function. Eur J Appl Physiol 111:743–748

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Okamoto T, Masuhara M, Ikuta K (2013) Low-intensity resistance training after high-intensity resistance training can prevent the increase of central arterial stiffness. Int J Sports Med 34:385–390. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0032-1312604

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Okamoto T, Min S, Sakamaki-Sunaga M (2014) Arterial compliance and stiffness following low-intensity resistance exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol 114:235–241. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-013-2770-0

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Olson TP, Dengel DR, Leon AS, Schmitz KH (2006) Moderate resistance training and vascular health in overweight women. Med Sci Sports Exerc 38:1558–1564

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Otsuki T, Maeda S, Iemitsu M, Saito Y, Tanimura Y, Ajisaka R, Miyauchi T (2007) Vascular endothelium-derived factors and arterial stiffness in strength- and endurance-trained men. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 292:H786–H791. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpheart.00678.2006

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Pini R, Cavallini MC, Palmieri V, Marchionni N, Di Bari M, Devereux RB, Masotti G, Roman MJ (2008) Central but not brachial blood pressure predicts cardiovascular events in an unselected geriatric population: the ICARe Dicomano Study. J Am Coll Cardiol 51:2432–2439. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2008.03.031

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Rakobowchuk M, McGowan CL, de Groot PC, Bruinsma D, Hartman JW, Phillips SM, MacDonald MJ (2005) Effect of whole body resistance training on arterial compliance in young men. Exp Physiol 90:645–651. https://doi.org/10.1113/expphysiol.2004.029504

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Rakobowchuk M, McGowan CL, de Groot PC, Hartman JW, Phillips SM, MacDonald MJ (2005) Endothelial function of young healthy males following whole body resistance training. J Appl Physiol 98:2185–2190

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Ratamess NA, Alvar BA, Evetoch TK, Housh TJ, Kibler WB, Kraemer WJ, Triplett NT (2009) American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Progression models in resistance training for healthy adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc 41:687–708. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181915670

    Article  Google Scholar 

  77. Roman MJ, Devereux RB, Kizer JR, Lee ET, Galloway JM, Ali T, Umans JG, Howard BV (2007) Central pressure more strongly relates to vascular disease and outcome than does brachial pressure: the Strong Heart Study. Hypertension 50:197–203

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Rossow LM, Fahs CA, Thiebaud RS, Loenneke JP, Kim D, Mouser JG, Shore EA, Beck TW, Bemben DA, Bemben MG (2014) Arterial stiffness and blood flow adaptations following eight weeks of resistance exercise training in young and older women. Exp Gerontol 53:48–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2014.02.010

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Sanada K, Miyachi M, Tanimoto M, Yamamoto K, Murakami H, Okumura S, Gando Y, Suzuki K, Tabata I, Higuchi M (2010) A cross-sectional study of sarcopenia in Japanese men and women: reference values and association with cardiovascular risk factors. Eur J Appl Physiol 110:57–65. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-010-1473-z

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Snijder MB, Henry RM, Visser M, Dekker JM, Seidell JC, Ferreira I, Bouter LM, Yudkin JS, Westerhof N, Stehouwer CD (2004) Regional body composition as a determinant of arterial stiffness in the elderly: the Hoorn study. J Hypertens 22:2339–2347

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  81. Spence AL, Carter HH, Naylor LH, Green DJ (2013) A prospective randomized longitudinal study involving 6 months of endurance or resistance exercise. Conduit artery adaptation in humans. J Physiol 591:1265–1275

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Sugawara J, Hayashi K, Yokoi T, Cortez-Cooper MY, DeVan AE, Anton MA, Tanaka H (2005) Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity: an index of central arterial stiffness? J Hum Hypertens 19:401–406

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. Taaffe DR, Galvao DA, Sharman JE, Coombes JS (2007) Reduced central blood pressure in older adults following progressive resistance training. J Hum Hypertens 21:96–98. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jhh.1002115

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  84. Takarada Y, Ishii N (2002) Effects of low-intensity resistance exercise with short interset rest period on muscular function in middle-aged women. J Strength Cond Res 16:123–128

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  85. Tanaka H, Munakata M, Kawano Y, Ohishi M, Shoji T, Sugawara J, Tomiyama H, Yamashina A, Yasuda H, Sawayama T, Ozawa T (2009) Comparison between carotid-femoral and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity as measures of arterial stiffness. J Hypertens 27:2022–2027

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  86. Tanimoto M, Ishii N (2006) Effects of low-intensity resistance exercise with slow movement and tonic force generation on muscular function in young men. J Appl Physiol 100:1150–1157

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  87. Tsutsumi T, Don BM, Zaichkowsky LD, Delizonna LL (1997) Physical fitness and psychological benefits of strength training in community dwelling older adults. Appl Hum Sci 16:257–266

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  88. Vaitkevicius PV, Fleg JL, Engel JH, O'Connor FC, Wright JG, Lakatta LE, Yin FC, Lakatta EG (1993) Effects of age and aerobic capacity on arterial stiffness in healthy adults. Circulation 88:1456–1462

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  89. Vlachopoulos C, Aznaouridis K, O'Rourke MF, Safar ME, Baou K, Stefanadis C (2010) Prediction of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality with central haemodynamics: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Heart J 31:1865–1871. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehq024

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  90. Vlachopoulos C, Aznaouridis K, Stefanadis C (2010) Prediction of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality with arterial stiffness: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Coll Cardiol 55:1318–1327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2009.10.061

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  91. Vlachopoulos C, Aznaouridis K, Terentes-Printzios D, Ioakeimidis N, Stefanadis C (2012) Prediction of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality with brachial-ankle elasticity index: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hypertension 60:556–562

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  92. Weber T, Wassertheurer S, Rammer M, Haiden A, Hametner B, Eber B (2012) Wave reflections, assessed with a novel method for pulse wave separation, are associated with end-organ damage and clinical outcomes. Hypertension: HYPERTENSIONAHA. 112.194571

  93. Williams AD, Ahuja KD, Almond JB, Robertson IK, Ball MJ (2013) Progressive resistance training might improve vascular function in older women but not in older men. J Sci Med Sport 16:76–81

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  94. Yoshizawa M, Maeda S, Miyaki A, Misono M, Saito Y, Tanabe K, Kuno S, Ajisaka R (2009) Effect of 12 weeks of moderate-intensity resistance training on arterial stiffness: a randomised controlled trial in women aged 32-59 years. Br J Sports Med 43:615–618. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2008.052126

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  95. Zaydun G, Tomiyama H, Hashimoto H, Arai T, Koji Y, Yambe M, Motobe K, Hori S, Yamashina A (2006) Menopause is an independent factor augmenting the age-related increase in arterial stiffness in the early postmenopausal phase. Atherosclerosis 184:137–142

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  96. Zieman SJ, Melenovsky V, Kass DA (2005) Mechanisms, pathophysiology, and therapy of arterial stiffness. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 25:932–943. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.ATV.0000160548.78317.29

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We appreciate the technical assistance provided by Arun Maharaj and Dr. Amber McCord.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA

    Arturo Figueroa

  2. Department of Exercise Physiology, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, 158-8508, Japan

    Takanobu Okamoto

  3. Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, WI, 54601, USA

    Salvador J. Jaime

  4. Department of Exercise Sciences, Lindenwood University, Belleville, IL, 62226, USA

    Christopher A. Fahs

Authors
  1. Arturo Figueroa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

  2. Takanobu Okamoto
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

  3. Salvador J. Jaime
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

  4. Christopher A. Fahs
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Arturo Figueroa.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

This article is part of the special issue on Exercise Physiology: future opportunities and challenges in Pflügers Archiv – European Journal of Physiology

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Figueroa, A., Okamoto, T., Jaime, S.J. et al. Impact of high- and low-intensity resistance training on arterial stiffness and blood pressure in adults across the lifespan: a review. Pflugers Arch - Eur J Physiol 471, 467–478 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00424-018-2235-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00424-018-2235-8

Keywords