Abstract
Elite endurance athletes typically have larger arteries contributing to greater skeletal muscle blood flow, oxygen and nutrient delivery and improved physical performance. Few studies have examined structural and functional properties of arteries in power athletes.PurposeTo compare the size and vasoreactivity of the brachial artery of elite power athletes to age-matched controls. It was hypothesized brachial artery diameters of athletes would be larger, have less vasodilation in response to cuff occlusion, but more constriction after a cold pressor test than age-matched controls.MethodsEight elite power athletes (age = 23±2 years) and ten controls (age = 22±1 yrs) were studied. High-resolution ultrasonography was used to assess brachial artery diameters at rest and following 5 minutes of forearm occlusion (Brachial Artery Flow Mediated Dilation = BAFMD) and a cold pressor test (CPT). Basic fitness measures included a handgrip test and 3-minute step test.ResultsBrachial arteries of athletes were larger (Athletes 5.39±1.51 vs. Controls: 3.73±0.71 mm, p<0.05), had greater vasodilatory (BAFMD%: Athletes: 8.21±1.78 vs. Controls: 5.69±1.56%) and constrictor (CPT %: Athletes: -2.95±1.07 vs. Controls: −1.20±0.48%) responses, compared to controls. Vascular operating range (VOR = Peak dilation+Peak Constriction) was also greater in athletes (VOR: Athletes: 0.55±0.15 vs. Controls: 0.25±0.18 mm, p<0.05). Athletes had superior handgrip strength (Athletes: 55.92±17.06 vs. Controls: 36.77±17.06 kg, p<0.05) but similar heart rate responses at peak (Athletes: 123±16 vs. Controls: 130±25 bpm, p>0.05) and 1 minute recovery (Athletes: 88±21 vs. Controls: 98±26 bpm, p>0.05) following the step test.ConclusionElite power athletes have larger brachial arteries, and greater vasoreactivity (greater vasodilatory and constrictor responses) than age-matched controls, contributing to a significantly greater VOR. These data extend the existence of an ‘athlete’s artery’ as previously shown for elite endurance athletes to elite power athletes, and presents a hypothetical explanation for the functional significance of the ‘power athlete’s artery’.
Highlights
In a recent review focused on the question of the characteristic ‘athlete’s artery’, clear evidence was presented in favor of a positive influence of athletic status on arterial structure and function [1]
The accepted benefit of enlarged arteries in endurance athletes is greater muscle blood flow, oxygen and nutrient delivery contributing to improved performance [1], [2]
Greater muscle blood flow following training may be of less consequence for elite power athletes, given the nature of their events
Summary
In a recent review focused on the question of the characteristic ‘athlete’s artery’, clear evidence was presented in favor of a positive influence of athletic status on arterial structure and function [1]. The authors qualified this statement to elite athletes involved in endurance sports, acknowledging a dearth in studies in elite power athletes. The major conclusion of the review was that athletes have increased conduit artery size, including enlargement of epicardial arteries and those supplying skeletal muscle [1]. MacDougall et al (1992), reported large increases in arterial blood pressure (480/350 mmHg) in subjects performing high-intensity dynamic weightlifting exercises [3]. It could be argued that repeated exposure to high blood pressures in power athletes could trigger vascular adaptations, such as smooth muscle hypertrophy
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