Brachial flow-mediated dilatation response to acute different upper body training postures in lean inactive vs. lean active men

Background Resistance training postures trigger different results on endothelial function: however, the acute effect of resistance training on upper body muscle in active and inactive persons is inconclusive. The present study aimed to investigate the acute effects of 2 different types of upper body training (bench press training and lat pull down training) on flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and to compare the effects between lean inactive men (LI) and lean active men (LA). Methods LI (n = 16) and LA (n = 16) men undertook 2 upper body training postures at 60% of 1 repetition maximum (RM), 15 repetitions a set for 3 sets. Before and after immediate training, the biological data, FMD data, and blood pressure data were collected. Results Both the LI and LA groups showed similar results at the baseline of biological data, including carotid intima media thickness data (P > 0.05), while the higher muscular strength was observed in the LA group. Significantly higher shear rate and blood pressure after training were observed in both groups (P < 0.05); however the magnitude of increment in blood pressure was greater in LI group. FMD was significantly increased in the LA group following bench press training while it decreased in the LI group following lat pull down training (P < 0.05). Conclusion Higher fitness status can acutely protect against the undesirable effects on vascular function following resistance training. In active persons, we suggest performing both the bench press and lat pull down trainings, without any limitations. In contrast for inactive persons, the bench press is recommended at the beginning of training for protection against decreased FMD. After vascular adaptation, lat pull down training might be added in order to strengthen upper body muscles.