Resistance training performed with single-set is sufficient to reduce cardiovascular risk factors in untrained older women: The randomized clinical trial. Active Aging Longitudinal Study

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of a single-set RT program on CVD-risk parameters in untrained older women. Forty-eight older women (> 60 years) were randomly assigned to two groups. The training group (SS) performed a 12-week RT program comprised of single sets (10-15 repetitions) in 8 exercises performed 3 times per week. The control group remained pursued normal daily activities with no exercise intervention. Each participant was evaluated for total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), triglycerides (TG), glucose (GLU) and, C-reactive protein (CRP). TC, LDL, GLU and CRP were reduced significantly (p < 0.05) after exercise intervention in the exercise group. The composite Z-score of the cardiovascular risk was also significantly reduce compared to control group (P < 0.05). We conclude that a 12-week RT program performed with a single-set per exercise is sufficient to reduce cardiovascular diseases risk components.