Comparison of the Effects of Aerobic and Resistance Exercises on Arterial Stiffness, Endothelial Function, Carotid Intima-Media Thickness, and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Obese Sedentary Females

Background:

Vascular stiffness, wall thickness, wave reflections, central hemodynamics, and endothelial function are the best indicators of arterial health. Numerous studies have evaluated the effect of exercise on the structure and function of the arteries in people with arteriosclerosis disorders. However, a limited number of studies have been carried out on healthy obese individuals.

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the impacts of aerobic exercise and resistance training on arterial stiffness, endothelial function, and carotid Intima‐Media Thickness (cIMT) in sedentary obese females.

Methods:

In this study, 27 sedentary obese females (30 - 40 years old) with the mean body mass index of 30.47 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to two groups of aerobic exercise (n = 14) and resistance training (n = 13). The first group was subjected to 24 sessions of aerobic exercise in form of riding a stationary bike at the intensity of 50 - 70% of the maximum heart rate reserve for 35 - 50 min. In the second group, the participants performed progressive resistance training for 24 sessions with 60 - 85% intensity of one repetition maximum for 8 - 12 repetitions. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), vascular stiffness, endothelial function, and cIMT were measured by color Doppler ultrasound in the 1st, 12th, and 24th sessions.

Results:

The results revealed a significant increase in VO2max of the two groups. However, the changes in weight, body mass index, endothelial function, cIMT, and Pulse Pressure (PP) were not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

The eight-week (aerobic or resistance) training program could not exert positive effects on the structural properties of the arterial wall and reduce vascular stiffness in obese sedentary females. In addition, it seemed that diverse exercise methods had distinct effects on shear stress patterns and hemodynamics. Yet, further research is required to determine the most efficient exercise guidelines to maximize the effectiveness of exercise in the arterial wall thickness.