Abstract
Sex differences exist in vascular responses to blood pressure perturbations,
such as resistance exercise. Increases in aortic stiffness following acute
resistance exercise appear different between sexes, with attenuated
increases in females vs. males. Whether sex differences exist in carotid
stiffness, following resistance exercise is unknown. This study sought to
examine sex differences in carotid stiffness, aortic stiffness, and
hemodynamics following acute resistance exercise. Thirty-five participants
(18 male) completed 3 sets of 10 repetitions of maximal isokinetic knee
extension/flexion. Aortic stiffness and hemodynamics were estimated
using an automated oscillometric blood pressure monitor at baseline, 5- and
30-min post-exercise. Carotid stiffness was assessed by β-stiffness
index, pressure-strain elastic modulus and arterial compliance using
ultrasonography. Resistance exercise increased aortic stiffness, mean and
systolic pressure at 5-min (p<0.01), and pressure-strain elastic
modulus at 5-min in both sexes (p<0.05). Arterial compliance
decreased at 5- and 30-min post exercise in both sexes (p<0.01). No
interaction effects were detected in carotid stiffness, aortic stiffness,
and hemodynamics, indicating similar vascular responses between sexes. Our
findings indicate that the large arteries appear to stiffen similarly
following resistance exercise in males and females when presented with
similar blood pressure responses.
Key words
arterial stiffness - resistance exercise - sex differences
