Resistance training improves cardiovascular autonomic control and biochemical profile of rats exposed to a Western diet in the perinatal period

Abstract Introduction and Objectives Consumption of a Western diet during the perinatal period is associated with development of cardiovascular disease. Resistance training (RT) has been used to treat cardiovascular disorders. The aim of this work was to assess the effect of RT on cardiometabolic disorders in rats exposed to a Western diet in the perinatal period. Methods Female Wistar rats were fed with control or Western diet during pregnancy and lactation. The pups were divided into three groups: Control (C), Western Diet Sedentary (WDS) and Western Diet+RT (WDRT). At 60 days of age, all animals started the RT protocol (five times a week for four weeks). At the end, blood pressure was recorded for analysis of heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Results RT reduced blood pressure and vascular sympathetic modulation and increased BRS. There were improvements in biochemical profile, with reductions in fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein, and an increase in high-density lipoprotein. Conclusion RT led to beneficial adaptations in the cardiovascular system, mediated by changes in the mechanisms of autonomic control and biochemical profile of animals exposed to a Western diet in the perinatal period.