Low-to-Moderate-Intensity Resistance Exercise Is More Effective than High-Intensity at Improving Endothelial Function in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aerobic exercise has been confirmed to improve endothelial function (EF). However, the effect of resistance exercise (RE) on EF remains controversial. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine the effect of RE and its intensities on EF. We searched Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Wiley Online Library, and included 15 articles (17 trials) for the synthesis. Overall, RE intervention significantly improved flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) in brachial artery (SMD = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.47, 1.05; p < 0.00001), which represents improved EF. Meta-regression showed that the RE intensity was correlated with changes in FMD (Coef. = −0.274, T = −2.18, p = 0.045). We found both intensities of RE improved FMD, but the effect size for the low- to moderate-intensity (30–70%1RM) was bigger (SMD = 1.02; 95% CI: 0.60, 1.43; p < 0.0001) than for the high-intensity (≥70%1RM; SMD = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.74; p = 0.005). We further noticed that RE had a beneficial effect (SMD = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.13, 1.09; p = 0.01) on the brachial artery baseline diameter at rest (BAD(rest)), and the age variable was correlated with the changes in BAD(rest) after RE (Coef. = −0.032, T = −2.33, p = 0.038). Young individuals (<40 years) presented with a bigger effect size for BAD(rest) (SMD = 1.23; 95% CI: 0.30, 2.15; p = 0.009), while middle-aged to elderly (≥40 years) were not responsive to RE (SMD = 0.07; 95% CI: −0.28, 0.42; p = 0.70). Based on our findings, we conclude that RE intervention can improve the EF, and low- to moderate-intensity is more effective than high-intensity.