Effects of Low-intensity Resistance Exercise Training and Diet on Central Hemodynamics and Arterial Stiffness in Obese Middle-aged Women With High Blood Pressure

The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of 12 weeks of low-intensity resistance exercise training (LIRET) and diet on arterial function, autonomic function, and body composition in obese women with high blood pressure (BP). Specific aims of the study are to:

• To evaluate the extent to which diet and LIRET will improve body composition assessed by changes in fat mass and lean mass using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and waist circumference.
• To investigate that combined diet and LIRET are more efficacious than either treatment alone in ameliorating cardiovascular disease risk factors by assessing arterial stiffness (aortic, systemic, and leg), aortic BP and wave reflection, and autonomic function (heart rate variability, vascular sympathetic activity [low-frequency power of systolic BP variability], and baroreflex sensitivity). Circulating levels of adipocytokines (adiponectin and leptin) and endothelial-derived vasodilators (NO metabolites [NOx] and prostacyclin) and vasoconstrictors (endothelin-1 and prostaglandin F2α) will be assessed as secondary outcome variables.