Making the case for resistance training in improving vascular function and skeletal muscle capillarization.

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Vascular Biology
• Skeletal Muscle Physiology

Background:

• Resistance training (RT) is known for improving strength and muscle growth.
• Vascular benefits of RT have been historically underemphasized compared to endurance training.
• Emerging evidence suggests RT positively impacts vascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review methods for assessing vascular and skeletal muscle capillary characteristics.
• To examine acute and chronic vascular responses to resistance exercise.
• To discuss the mechanisms underlying RT's vascular adaptations.

Main Methods:

• Assessment of large artery size and function using various techniques.
• Measurement of skeletal muscle capillary characteristics.
• Analysis of data from acute and chronic resistance training studies in humans and rodents.

Main Results:

• A single bout of RT increases large artery diameter and blood flow velocity, mediated by vasoactive substances.
• Chronic RT improves basal limb blood flow, arterial diameter, and lowers blood pressure.
• Longitudinal studies show RT increases skeletal muscle capillarity, linked to hypertrophy.

Conclusions:

• Resistance training confers significant vascular benefits, including improved arterial function and blood flow.
• Contrary to older beliefs, RT enhances skeletal muscle capillarity, especially with chronic training.
• Mechanisms involving vasoactive substances and mechanical overload contribute to vascular adaptations from RT.