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Lower leg high-intensity resistance training and peripheral hemodynamic adaptations
1Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA.
Summary
High-intensity resistance training may limit blood flow to calf muscles. This study found reduced maximal blood flow and increased vascular resistance in trained legs after 4 weeks of high-intensity resistance training.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Vascular Biology
- Muscle Physiology
Background:
- High-intensity resistance (HIR) training is linked to muscle hypertrophy.
- Potential blood flow limitation due to decreased microvascular density is a concern with HIR training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of HIR training on lower leg maximal blood flow and minimum vascular resistance (Rmin) during reactive hyperemia.
- To determine if HIR training induces a blood flow limitation in the calf muscles.
Main Methods:
- Seven healthy males underwent 4 weeks of HIR training on one lower leg (gastrocnemius-soleus muscles).
- The contralateral leg served as a control.
- Lower leg blood flow was measured using venous occlusion plethysmography.
- Muscle volume was assessed via magnetic resonance imaging.
Main Results:
- Peak isokinetic torque increased in both trained and untrained legs.
- Lower leg muscle volume increased by 2% in the trained leg only.
- Maximal blood flow decreased and Rmin increased in the trained leg.
- No significant hemodynamic changes were observed in the untrained leg.
Conclusions:
- HIR training of the calf muscles is associated with a reduction in hyperemia-induced blood flow.
- These findings suggest a potential blood flow limitation to the calf muscles following HIR training.
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