Effects of chronic anaerobic training on markers of sub-clinical atherosclerosis.

Introduction: Although several cardiovascular adaptations in response to different types of exercise are already known, data comparing the effects of the type of exercise training on early markers of atherosclerosis are limited.

Methods: Forty-nine tennis players, 28 weightlifters and 20 non-trained healthy volunteers were recruited for the study. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and intima-media thickness (IMT) in the carotid and femoral arteries were measured in all volunteers for assessment of endothelial function and vascular remodelling, respectively.