Exploring Sex Differences on Arterial Stiffness in Response to Heavy Rope Exercise

High-intensity heavy rope exercise (HI-HRE) improves muscular strength and increases power. To date, no studies have examined the effects of HI-HRE on arterial stiffness, carotid artery compliance or differences among these measurements between sexes. PURPOSE: To evaluate sex differences on aortic and carotid arterial stiffness (CAS), and carotid artery compliance, following an acute bout of HI-HRE. METHODS: Twenty-seven resistance-trained individuals (men: n=14, women: n=13) volunteered for the study. Aortic arterial stiffness was measured via carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV). CAS, measured via beta stiffness, and carotid artery compliance, were collected via Doppler ultrasound. All measurements were collected at Rest, 15 (Rec1), 30 (Rec2), and 60 (Rec3) minutes following HI-HRE. The HI-HRE intervention consisted of six 15-second exercise bouts using a double wave pattern set at a pace of 180bpm, with 30-second seated recovery intervals between bouts. RESULTS: There were no significant sex by time interactions for cf-PWV, or beta stiffness. For carotid artery compliance there was a significant sex by time interaction (p=0.05). At Rest, women had elevated carotid artery compliance compared to men. At Rec1, women had a larger decrease in carotid artery compliance than men. Women during Rec2 experienced a significant reduction in carotid artery compliance compared to rest, whereas men increased. During Rec3, women had higher carotid artery compliance compared to men. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest no difference in aortic or CAS between sexes following an acute bout of HI-HRE. Women had greater changes in carotid artery compliance between time points compared to men