ABSTRACT
The aerobic training reduces the artery stiffness and systolic blood pressure. The anaerobic training such as resistance training, however, is associated with higher artery stiffness. We hypothesized that low-intensity circuit training might improve the large artery stiffness. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of long-term low-intensity circuit training on artery stiffness in sedentary women. Twenty healthy women divided into two groups (training group and control group). In the training group, subjects asked to perform the resistance exercises consisted of arm curls, bench presses, lateral pull-downs, leg presses and squats 3 days per week for 2 months. They conducted 5 sets at 30% of their 10RM. Aerobic capacity (ventilatory threshold [VT]), muscle strength, resting blood pressure, and arterial stiffness index (brachial-ankle Pulse Wave Velocity [baPWV]) were evaluated before and after training period. After the low-intensity circuit training, work rate at VT was significantly increased (108.6±25.6W to 128.1±24.3W). The baPWV was significantly decreased (988.7±80.5cm · sec<sup>-1</sup> to 895.7±62.6cm · sec<sup>-1</sup>). In control group, however, there were no significant differences during same duration. These results suggested that long-term low-intensity circuit training attenuates the large artery stiffness in healthy women. This kind of exercise may have great potential to lower the risks of circulatory illness in aged men.