1. The Effects of Resistance Training Alone and
Resistance Training with Aerobic Training on
Aortic Wall Stiffness.
A thesis submitted by:
Pavlos Dimitropoulos B. App. Sc. (Human Movement)
For the degree of:
Bachelor of Health Science (Honours)
School of Health Sciences
Division of Health Sciences
University of South Australia
November 12th
2015

2. Abstract
Introduction and aims: Resistance training (RT) is a popular form of exercise amongst both
recreational and professional trainers due to its ability to increase lean mass and bone
density, enhance neuro-muscular adaptations and positively influence psychological well-
being. RT has been found to have an acute central arterial stiffening response in young,
healthy adults. Central arterial stiffening (AS) is an independent predictor of stroke and
other cardiovascular diseases as well as mortality & morbidity. This study aims to identify
whether aerobic training (AT) is able to attenuate a possible stiffening response to RT, as
well as if there is an order effect of RT and AT.
Method: Five experienced, resistance trained male adults, aged between 21 and 56 were
recruited from health centres around Adelaide. Volunteers participated in a trial which
consisted of four randomised test sessions, one which involved a control of 45 mins rest as
well as a RT session, two consisting of a combination of AT and RT, and one control session.
RT sessions were performed at intensities which were defined by the participants
themselves and consisted of at least one upper body pushing compound, one upper body
pulling compound, one lower body compound and one core exercise. AT exercise was
performed on a Monark cycle ergometer at an RPE of 13 for 20 min. The control session
involved testing pre and post a 45 min rest. The combined training sessions included an AT
session for 20 min either immediately before or after a RT session. CV measures were taken
at baseline and again at 15 and 45 min post intervention.
Cardiovascular measures were taken with a Sphygmocor Excel as well as a BP + device. The
main measures of arterial stiffness measured were carotid – femoral pulse wave velocity (c-f
PWV), the gold standard non-invasive measure of central aortic stiffness, as well as
augmentation index (AIx), another measure of AS.
Results: There were no significant results found throughout the study. Overall there was a
trend for RT to have a stiffening effect on central arteries, and that concurrent training may
minimise AS compared to RT alone.
Discussion: The results of this study somewhat support previous literature. There was some
evidence of acute increases in AS with RT alone and reductions with concurrent training
suggesting the acute response may be similar to that reported previously for in chronic

3. interventions. Interestingly, older age adults were found to have the same CV responses to
RT and concurrent training as their younger counterparts.