The effects of a proper cool down on potential detriments from the high-intensity resistance sessions

Abstract

Purpose: High-intensity resistance exercise (HIRE) is effective to improve muscular function, however its effects on arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity, PWV) have been controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the effects of common cool down protocols on vascular function following a bout of HIRE. Methods: Eight (n=8) recreationally active males completed four different trials following two sessions of familiarization. Participants were measured for body composition, blood pressure (BP) in the brachial and aortic arteries, arterial stiffness parameters, and one-repetition maximum (1RM). After each exercise session, vascular changes were measured for 60 minutes. An analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to determine differences within and between interventions at baseline, immediate post, and in the subsequent timepoints. Results: Systolic BP immediately following aerobic training were not significantly different between the cooldown and non-cooldown protocols (p>0.05). PWV was significantly lower in the sprint interval compared to the other two (p<0.05). Conclusion: As expected, HIRE elicited a significant detriment to vascular function. Although BP returned to baseline levels relatively quickly following HIRE, regardless of cooldown, arterial stiffness remained elevated. Sprint intervals following HIRE seems to reduce the PWV responses following HIRE, which may highlight its practical use to attenuate arterial stiffening.