BACKGROUND: The present study investigated the effects of traditional resistance training (TRT) and functional resistance training (FRT) on arterial stiffness and muscular strength in healthy young men. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial included 29 untrained healthy young men aged 18 to 29 years who were randomly divided into two groups, namely, TRT group (n = 15) and FRT group (n = 14). All participants underwent numerous tests, such as those for body composition, cardio-ankle vascular index, blood pressure, heart rate, and maximal strength before and after the 6-week training program. The exercise training comprised whole-body strength training exercises 3 days a week for 6 weeks. The total training volume and number of sets (4 to 5 sets) were kept constantly similar in each group. The TRT group completed 4 to 5 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions (70% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM)), whereas the FRT group completed 4 to 5 sets of 15 to 22 repetitions (40% 1RM). RESULTS: The TRT and FRT groups exhibited equally significantly increased maximal strength (within group: both p < 0.01). Furthermore, the independent t-test showed that the differences between the two groups in terms of changes in maximal strength were no significant (between group: both p > 0.05). Additionally, significant main effects of time (pre versus post) were observed for the left and right cardio-ankle vascular indices (p < 0.05); however, no significant difference were observed between the groups. For body compositions outcome measures, no significant differences between groups were observed. CONCLUSION: Six weeks of FRT and TRT exhibit no difference in terms of effects on arterial stiffness and muscular strength.

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