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Aortic stiffness, central pulse pressure and cognitive function following acute resistance exercise
Samuel Palmiere1, Marcus Wade1, Jacob P DeBlois1
1The Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Exercise Science, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA.
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|July 30, 2018
Summary
Acute resistance exercise (RE) temporarily increases aortic stiffness and pulse pressure (PP) in young adults. However, this acute bout of exercise did not negatively impact cognitive function, showing improved reaction times in memory tasks.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Resistance exercise (RE) is vital for health but acutely elevates aortic stiffness and pulse pressure (PP).
- Elevated aortic stiffness and PP are linked to cognitive decline, particularly in aging populations.
- The impact of acute RE-induced cardiovascular changes on cognitive function in young adults remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between acute resistance exercise-induced increases in aortic stiffness and pulse pressure and cognitive function in young adults.
- To determine if acute RE impacts cognitive performance, including reaction time and accuracy.
- To assess changes in aortic stiffness and PP following a single bout of resistance exercise.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-five healthy young adults (21 ± 2 years) participated in cognitive testing and cardiovascular measurements.
- Participants underwent cognitive assessments (memory, attention, working memory) before and after either resistance exercise or a control condition.
- Aortic stiffness (pulse wave velocity, PWV) and PP were measured using a brachial oscillometric device.
Main Results:
- Resistance exercise significantly increased aortic PWV and PP, while the control condition did not alter these measures.
- No significant changes in cognitive task accuracy were observed across conditions.
- A significant decrease in reaction time was noted for the memory task following resistance exercise, with no change in the control condition.
Conclusions:
- Acute resistance exercise leads to transient increases in aortic stiffness and pulse pressure in young, healthy adults.
- These cardiovascular changes following acute RE are not associated with detrimental effects on cognitive function.
- Cognitive performance, particularly reaction time in memory tasks, may even be enhanced post-acute resistance exercise.
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