Effects of training status on arterial compliance in able-bodied persons and persons with spinal cord injury

Abstract

An investigation on large and small artery compliance in 36 able-bodied persons and persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). To evaluate the effect of various training states (endurance-trained vs untrained) on arterial compliance in individuals with chronic SCI of traumatic origin and in able-bodied individuals (matched for age, sex, height, and weight). Tertiary rehabilitation center in Canada. Large and small artery compliance were measured at the radial artery and physical activity was assessed via questionnaire. There was no significant difference in large artery compliance between groups. Small artery compliance was reduced markedly (5.8±3.1 ml mm Hg(-1) × 100) in untrained persons with SCI, in comparison to all other groups. Small artery compliance of endurance-trained individuals with SCI was slightly (4%) higher than that observed in the untrained able-bodied individuals (8.6±1.5 vs. 8.2±1.4 ml mm Hg(-1) × 100, respectively). Endurance-trained, able-bodied persons had greater small artery compliance (10.6±2.3 ml mm Hg(-1) × 100) in comparison to the all other groups. Endurance training is related to increased small artery compliance in able-bodied individuals and persons with SCI (who are matched for age, sex, height and weight). Endurance training may attenuate the decline in small artery compliance seen with SCI.