Introduction and background: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is principally synthesized and released by ventricular myocytes in response to myocardial wall stress. Acute and chronic effects of resistance and endurance exercise on N- terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT pro BNP) are still unclear.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the acute and chronic effects of resistance versus endurance training on NT pro BNP level in middle-aged men.
Material and Methods: Twelve middle-aged men were randomly assigned to resistance or endurance group. Resistance training consisted of 8 weeks weight training, 3 days a week, at an intensity corresponding to 50% of one-repetition maximum. The endurance training programme included continuous running at an intensity corresponding to 70% of maximal heart rate, 3 days a week for 8 weeks.
Results: The results demonstrated that NT pro BNP increased (P < 0.05) after a session of endurance training, however it decreased (P < 0.05) after 8 weeks endurance training. Besides, NT pro BNP has not significant change after a session of resistance training, while it increased (P < 0.05) after 8 weeks resistance training.
Conclusion: In summary it seems that the acute and chronic effects of resistance exercise differ with the effects of endurance exercise. Endurance training improved myocardial function compare to the resistance training however further studies are needed.
Key words: NT pro BNP, Myocardial damage, Endurance exercise, Resistance exercise, middle-aged men.