Abstract
[Purpose] Changes in vasodilatory response after knee extension with different loads were investigated. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 17 healthy men with a mean age of 20.4 years, mean body mass of 63.9 kg, mean height of 172.7 cm, and a mean body mass index of 21.4 kg/m2. In the sitting position they performed alternate knee extension 10 times each with loads of 20%, 50% and 80% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). The Reactive Hyperemia Index (RHI) was calculated before and after knee extension as a measure of vasodilatory response. The changes in the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and cardiac output were also measured. [Results] RHI significantly increased after 20%1RM knee extension (before: 1.54 ± 0.36, after: 1.78 ± 0.48). Among the three loads, 50%1RM and 80%1RM produced significantly higher cardiac output during knee extension. [Conclusion] Low resistance exercise increases post-exercise vasodilatory response and may be beneficial for frail and/or hypertensive patients.
