Campbell, Amy K ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3711-3896, Beaumont, Alexander J ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5773-6356, Gardner, David, Herbert, Peter, Hayes, Lawrence and Sculthorpe, Nicholas (2026) Low-frequency resistance training enhances 2D strain-derived carotid strain and strain rate: a novel longitudinal application of strain imaging in healthy middle-aged females. European Journal of Applied Physiology. (In Press)

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Abstract

Purpose: Exercise delays arterial decline in middle‑aged females, yet participation declines with age. We assessed whether 12 weeks of low‑frequency resistance training alters carotid and brachial arterial function in inactive middle‑aged women.

Methods: Sixteen inactive middle-aged females (57±3 years; V̇O2peak: 25.3±5.3 ml.kg.min−1) performed once-weekly resistance exercise for 12-weeks. At pre- and post-intervention, ultrasound measured common carotid artery function via conventional (β1 stiffness index and Peterson’s elastic modulus), and two-dimensional strain (peak circumferential strain and systolic strain rate). The common carotid artery was measured at rest, during, and after a three-minute isometric handgrip exercise, and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation was assessed at rest. Data were analysed using a Paired Sample T-Test (intervention only at rest), and two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (intervention and handgrip response).

Results: Resting peak circumferential strain (%; P=0.64) and systolic strain rate (s-1; P=0.67) did not change pre-post intervention. However, peak circumferential strain across isometric handgrip conditions increased post intervention (rest: 4.67±0.87 vs 4.87±1.42; during 3.62±1.40 vs 4.48±1.17; and after handgrip: 3.78±1.29 vs 4.87±1.24; P=0.012). Systolic strain rate across conditions also increased post intervention (rest: 0.365±0.078 vs 0.394±0.101; during 0.280±0.107 vs 0.329±0.089; and after handgrip: 0.294±0.109 vs 0.371±0.095; P=0.009). β1 stiffness index (P=0.30), Peterson’s elastic modulus (P=0.08), and brachial flow-mediated dilation (P=0.88) did not change pre-post intervention when measured at rest and during conditions.

Conclusion: Once-weekly resistance training improves carotid strain and strain rate in healthy middle-aged females, with effects evident under physiological stimulation. We support claims that two-dimensional strain detects arterial function changed that conventional measures may overlook.

Item Type:	Article
Status:	In Press
DOI:	10.1007/s00421-026-06390-8
Subjects:	Q Science > QP Physiology
School/Department:	School of Science, Technology and Health
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/15493

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