The effects of combined exercise training on nitric oxide availability and endothelial health in overweight to obese postmenopausal women

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine the influence of acute and chronic combined aerobic and resistance exercise training on endothelial function in overweight-obese, postmenopausal women. METHODS: Overweight-obese (BMI 27-46 kgm2), postmenopausal women (55-75 years) were randomized into either exercise (EX, n = 22) or education control (ED, n = 18) groups. Blood was collected before (PRE), immediately after (PO) and at 1- (1HR) and 2-hours (2HR) after exercise for EX or at similar time points for ED for nitrate/nitrite (NO) and CRP analysis. FMD was performed at PRE and 2HR. Testing was repeated after 12-weeks of training or education sessions. RESULTS: With training collapsed, acute exercise caused increases in NO at PO and 2HR, FMD at 2HR, and CRP at PO. No diurnal or training effects were measured in either group. CONCLUSION: Acute exercise enhanced endothelial function up to 2 hours post exercise but did not elicit chronic improvements in endothelial function.