Effects of Resistance Training on Physical Fitness and Arterial Compliance in Normotensive Obese Women: 3088 Board #134 May 31 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the short-term effects of resistance training (RT) on arterial compliance and physical fitness in obese women with normal blood pressure. METHODS: A total of 16 participants (10 control/6 intervention) were included in the analyses (age: 23.5±4.1 years; body mass index: 33.6±2.9 m/kg2). Pre- and post-intervention assessments included cardiorespiratory tests, arterial stiffness assessments, and leg press (LP) and bench press (BP) one repetition maximum tests (1RM). Trainings consisted of seven strength exercises performed at an intensity of 80% 1RM until 550 calories have been expended. RESULTS: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant interaction effects (time x group) in LP (p=0.001) and BP (p=0.001) tests. Further, pairwise comparisons showed significant increases in LP (p<0.001) and BP (p<0.001) total weight lifted in the RT group after the intervention (20.55±12.22 kg and 6.1±4.54 kg respectively), but not in the control group (-2.26±8.96 kg and 0.58 ±2.26 kg respectively). There were no statistically significant changes found for arterial compliance. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term high intensity RT had positive effects on muscle strength in obese women with normal blood pressure with no negative effects on arterial compliance.