Low-intensity blood flow restricted (LI-BFR) resistance training has been shown 
to produce comparable increases in muscle hypertrophy to traditional 
high-intensity (HI) resistance training. However, a comparison of the acute 
vascular responses between the two types of exercise has not been made. The 
purpose of this study is to compare the acute vascular responses of HI, 
low-intensity (LI), and LI-BFR resistance exercise. Using a randomized, 
cross-over design, 11 young (28 ± 5 years) males completed three acute 
resistance exercise bouts (HI, LI and LI-BFR). Before (Pre), and starting at 15- 
and 45-min after each exercise bout, large (LAEI) and small (SAEI) artery 
compliance and calf blood flow were assessed. Calf blood flow was normalized per 
unit pressure as calf vascular conductance (CVC). Repeated measures (condition × 
time) ANOVA revealed a main time effect for LAEI and a main condition effect for 
SAEI. LAEI increased following exercise but returned to baseline at 45-min post. 
SAEI was greater during the HI condition compared to the LI or LI-BFR 
conditions. There was a significant condition × time interaction for CVC. CVC 
was elevated at 15- and 45-min post during the HI condition and at 15-min 
following the LI condition. CVC was not altered following the LI-BFR condition. 
These results suggest that HI, LI, and LI-BFR resistance exercise cause similar 
acute increases in large artery compliance but HI causes greater increases in 
small artery compliance and calf vascular conductance than LI or LI-BFR 
resistance exercise.