Int J Sports Med 2020; 41(02): 82-88
DOI: 10.1055/a-1044-2321
Physiology & Biochemistry
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Similar Effects of Acute Resistance Exercise on Carotid Stiffness in Males and Females

Authors

  • Georgios Grigoriadis

    1   Department of Kinesiology & Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, United States
  • Alexander J. Rosenberg

    2   Department of Physiology & Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, United State
  • Wesley K. Lefferts

    3   College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, United States
  • Sang Ouk Wee

    4   Department of Kinesiology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, United States
  • Elizabeth C Schroeder

    1   Department of Kinesiology & Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, United States
  • Tracy Baynard

    1   Department of Kinesiology & Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, United States

Funding: WKL is currently supported by the National Heart, Lung, And Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number T32HL134634.
Further Information

Publication History



accepted 23 October 2019

Publication Date:
05 January 2020 (online)

Preview

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.