Aerobic exercise enhances endothelial function (EF), but the effects of resistance exercise (RE) on EF are debated; this review analyzed 15 studies to clarify the impact of RE.
Results show that RE significantly improved flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) in the brachial artery, indicating better EF, with low- to moderate-intensity RE being more effective than high-intensity.
RE also positively affected the baseline diameter of the brachial artery at rest, particularly benefiting younger individuals under 40, while older adults showed little response to the exercise intervention.