Effects of Resistance Training on Selected Hemodynamic and Functional Factors in Older Men

Objectives Changes in hemodynamic factors such as blood pressure, rate of pressure product (RPP) and flow mediated dilation (FMD), are the most important cardiovascular changes in older age. This study aims to investigate the effect of resistance training on some hemodynamic and functional factors in older men. Methods & Materials In this quasi-experimental study, 24 older men were selected from among 100 older residents of Kahrizak Nursing Home in Alborz Province, Iran and were randomly divided into control and training groups. Before and after eight weeks of resistance training, mean blood pressure (MBP), RPP, FMD, hand grip strength and timed up & go (TUG) time were measured. The difference in the variables between the two groups was analyzed by independent and paired t-test using SPSS software version 25. The significance level was set at 0.05 Results The mean of age of participants was 67.75 years. Decreased MBP (P=0.027), increased FMD changes (P=0.022), decreased RPP (P=0.023), increased hand grip strength (P=0.019), and decreased TUG time (P=0.032) were reported in the training group. Conclusion Resistance training can reduce the load on the cardiovascular system by improving hemodynamic factors and possibly prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases related to older age. Therefore, resistance training with sufficient intensity can be considered as a supplement to aerobic training in old age.