Cardiovascular responses to short-term olympic style weight-training in young men

An experimental group (N = 9) was trained similarly to olympic weight-lifters for eight weeks. Max VO2 was determined with a Beckman MMC and a Monark Cycle ergometer. Work began at 0 watts (1st minute) and was raised to 60 watts each minute until 180 watts was reached, thereafter it was increased by 30 watts until exhaustion. Short term endurance (min) was measured as time to exhaustion. Resting HR and Resting BP (auscultation) were measured immediately before the max VO2 test. Body composition was determined by hydrostatic methods. Variables were measured at 0 (T1), at 5 weeks (T2), and at 8 weeks (T3). The max VO2 showed a significant increase (p less than or equal to 0.05) over time both l . min-1 (3.25 +/- 0.38 to 3.44 +/- 0.47) and ml . min-1 . kg-1 (39.5 +/- 4.2 to 42.4 +/- 5.5). Resting heart rate decreased from 63.9 +/- 8.9 to 58.8 +/- 6.5, systolic blood pressure decreased significantly from 119.3 +/- 13.4 to 114.8 +/- 9.0, diastolic pressure did not change (70.9 +/- 7.9 to 71.3 +/- 7.3). Lean body weight increased significantly from 64.9 +/- 7.4 to 67.3 +/- 7.7 kg, and % fat decreased significantly from 18.9 +/- 6.3 to 15.9 +/- 6.1. These data suggest that weight training can produce a significant positive change in some cardiovascular parameters.