Vascular Responses to High vs Low Repetition Resistance Exercise Training in Young Men

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
This study evaluates the effects of two types of resistance exercise training (higher-repetition, lower load vs lower-repetition, higher load vs control) on regional and local measures of arterial stiffness in trained young men.

Official Title
-----------------
Vascular Responses to High vs Low Repetition Resistance Exercise Training in Young Men

Conditions
-----------------
Weight-Lifting Exercise Program

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Behavioral: Lower-repetition, heavier-load
* Behavioral: Higher-repetition, lighter-load


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: Male Aged 18-30 years old Non-obese (Body mass index less than 30 kg/m2) Non-smoker Healthy based on questionnaire responses Resistance trained (Resistance training > 2 times per week for 2 years, minimum 1 lower body exercise session per week) Exclusion Criteria: Allergies to milk proteins (whey or casein) Any acute or chronic illness, cardiac, pulmonary, liver, or kidney abnormalities, uncontrolled hypertension, insulin- or non-insulin dependent diabetes or other metabolic disorders-all ascertained through medical history screening questionnaires Arthritic conditions Individuals who consume any analgesic or anti-inflammatory drug(s), prescription or non- prescription, chronically will be excluded A history of neuromuscular problems Individuals on any medications known to affect protein metabolism (i.e. corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or prescription strength acne medications).

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 30 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Resistance exercise training<br>Whole-body resistance exercise training 4x/week for 12 weeks. Either 'lower-repetition, heavier-load' or 'higher-repetition, lighter-load' intervention. | Behavioral: Lower-repetition, heavier-load<br>* 8-12 reps/set at  80% 1 repetition maximum<br>Behavioral: Higher-repetition, lighter-load<br>* 20-25 reps/set at  30% 1 repetition maximum<br>|
| No Intervention: Non-exercising control<br>Continue habitual physical activity for 12 weeks. | |

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity | Assessed using applanation tonometry | 12 weeks post exercise training | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Common carotid artery distensibility | Assessed using vascular ultrasound | 12 weeks post exercise training | 
| Left ventricular mass | Assessed using standard echocardiography | 12 weeks post exercise training |