Arterial Stiffness In Young Men Research Articles

Acute Effects of the Interval and Duration of Intermittent Exercise on Arterial Stiffness in Young Men

We proved the hypothesis that intermittent exercise would have a better effect on arterial stiffness by shortening the duration of intervals and increasing the number of bouts. Twenty healthy male college students (20.4 ± 0.4 years) were randomly assigned to a quiet control (CON), 30 min continuous exercise (CE), long-interval intermittent exercise with long intervals (IELL), long-interval intermittent exercise with short intervals (IELS), and short-interval intermittent exercise with short intervals (IESS). The intensity was set to 45% of the heart rate reserve. The brachial-ankle pulse wave (baPWV) was measured at baseline (BL), 0 min post-exercise, 20 min post-exercise, 40 min post-exercise, and 60 min post-exercise. BaPWV changes (⊿baPWV) from the BL in the same tests were used for the analysis. ⊿baPWV did not change significantly in the CON. ⊿baPWV decreased significantly at 0, 20, and 40 min in all exercise tests. ⊿baPWV decreased significantly at 60 min in IELS and IESS. At 60 min, the ⊿baPWV of IELS and IESS was still significantly lower than that of CON and CE, and the ⊿baPWV of IESS was still significantly lower than that of IELS. Hence, shortening the intervals of intermittent exercise and increasing the number of repetitions may enhance the effect of improving arterial stiffness.

Acute Effects of Pedaling Cadence at Low Intensity on Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Young Men.

To examine the acute influence of pedaling cadence on arterial stiffness in young men, 15 healthy men (21.8±0.4 years) underwent 3 trials in self-control crossover design: non-cycling control (CON), cycling at 60 (RPM60) and 90 rounds per min (RPM90). Cycling lasted 30 min at intensity of 35% heart rate reserve. Arterial stiffness in cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) was measured at baseline (BL), immediately after (0 min) and 40 min after cycling. There were no significant CAVI changes over time in CON. CAVI in RPM60 decreased immediately after exercise and returned to baseline afterwards (6.1±0.2, 5.6±0.2 and 6.0±0.2 at BL, 0 and 40 min, respectively). RPM90 elicited significant CAVI reduction from 6.2±0.2 at BL to 5.5±0.2 at 0 min, and reverted to 5.7±0.1 at 40 min, maintaining significant difference to its baseline. There was no significant CAVI difference between RPM60 and CON, whereas CAVI in RPM90 was significantly lower than that in CON at 0 min (5.5±0.2 vs 6.1±0.2, P<0.01) and 40 min (5.7±0.1 vs 6.3±0.1, P<0.05). Despite equivalent exercise volume, arterial stiffness improvement induced by cycling was influenced by pedaling cadence. Higher cadence resulted in superior effect on arterial stiffness.

Acute effect of stretching one leg on regional arterial stiffness in young men

Our previous study demonstrated that a single bout of stretching exercises acutely reduced arterial stiffness. We hypothesized that this acute vascular response is due to regional mechanical stimulation of the peripheral arteries. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effect of a single bout of passive one leg stretching on arterial stiffness, comparing the stretched and the non-stretched leg in the same subject. Twenty-five healthy young men (20.9±0.3years, 172.5±1.4cm, 64.1±1.2kg) volunteered for the study. Subjects underwent a passive calf stretching on one leg (six repetitions of 30-s static stretch with a 10-s recovery). Pulse wave velocity (PWV, an index of arterial stiffness), blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) were measured before and immediately, 15, and 30min after the stretching. Femoral-ankle PWV (faPWV) in the stretched leg was significantly decreased from baseline (835.0±15.9cm/s) to immediately (802.9±16.8cm/s, P<0.01) and 15min (810.5±16.0cm/s, P<0.01) after the stretching, despite no changes in systolic and diastolic BP, or HR. However, faPWV in the non-stretched leg was not significantly altered at any time. Brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) also showed similar responses with faPWV, but this response was not significant. Additionally, the passive stretching did not alter carotid-femoral PWV (cfPWV). These results suggest that mechanical stimulation to peripheral arteries as induced by static passive stretch may modulate arterial wall properties directly, rather than resulting in a systemic effect.

Lower Body vs. Upper Body Resistance Training and Arterial Stiffness in Young Men.

Resistance training has been shown to increase arterial stiffness. The purpose of the present study was to examine and compare the systemic arterial stiffness responses to acute lower body (LRT) and upper body (URT) resistance training. 20 healthy young men [median age: 26 years (interquartile range 23, 32)] underwent LRT, URT and whole body resistance training (WRT). Before and immediately after, as well as 20, 40 and 60 min after each training session, we measured the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) using VaSera VS-1500 N. We used mixed models for repeated measurements to estimate the post-exercise differences in CAVI and baPWV between the 3 resistance training modes. Immediately after exercise cessation, both CAVI and baPWV were lower for LRT compared with URT [CAVI: - 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI] - 1.15, - 0.70); baPWV: - 2.08 m/s (95% CI - 2.48, - 1.67)]. Differences between LRT and URT gradually decreased during follow-up. Compared with WRT, LRT induced a decrease and URT an increase in arterial stiffness across all time points. In conclusion, LRT presents more favorable post-exercise arterial stiffness than URT. Our results suggest that LRT or WRT may be preferred over URT in individuals with impaired arterial stiffness.

Changes in arterial stiffness and nitric oxide production with Chlorella-derived multicomponent supplementation in middle-aged and older individuals.

Chlorella is a unicellular green alga, which contains a variety of nutrients including amino acids, dietary fibers, n-3 unsaturated fatty acid, vitamins, and minerals. We previously demonstrated that Chlorella-derived multicomponent supplementation decreases arterial stiffness in young men. However, mechanisms underlying the reduction in arterial stiffness by Chlorella-derived supplementation and the effect in middle-aged and older individuals have remained unexplored. This study tested our hypothesis that Chlorella-derived supplementation improves arterial stiffness via an increase in nitric oxide (NO, a endothelium-derived relaxing factor) production in middle-aged and older individuals. Thirty-two subjects between 45 and 75 years of age assigned to placebo and Chlorella groups in a double-blinded manner and took respective tablets for 4 weeks. Before and after the supplementations, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV, an index of arterial stiffness) and plasma nitrite/nitrate (NOx, end product of NO) concentration were measured. There was no difference in baPWV between before and after the placebo intake, but baPWV decreased after the Chlorella supplementation. Changes in baPWV with the Chlorella supplementation were correlated with those in plasma NOx concentration. We concluded that Chlorella-derived multicomponent supplementation decreases arterial stiffness in middle-aged and older individuals. It may be associated with increase in NO production by vascular endothelium.

OBESITY CONCURRENTLY INFLUENCES EFFECTS OF BIRTH WEIGHT ON BLOOD PRESSURE VALUES IN YOUNG MEN

Premuzic, V.1; Laganovic, M.1; Kuzmanic, D.1; Vukovic-Lela, I.1; Banfic, Lj.1; Vrkic-Kirhmajer, M.1; Karanovic, S.1; Zeljkovic-Vrkic, T.1; Milosevic, M.2; Jelakovic, B.1 Author Information

Sex Differences in Arterial Stiffness after Exercise in Young Individuals

Large artery stiffness has been recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Thirteen college age young men (height: 180 ± 1 cm, weight: 92 ± 5 kg) and seventeen college age young women (height: 163 ± 2 cm, weight: 69 ± 3 kg) underwent measures of central (carotid-femoral), leg (carotid-femoral) and brachial (carotid-radial) pulse-wave velocity (PWV) before, 15 min after, and 30 min after a graded maximal aerobic exercise test (EX) on a stationary bike by applanation tonometry. Central PWV was significantly higher in men at all time points (Male: from 6.1 ± 0.2 to 6.2 ± 0.2 to 5.8 ± 0.1m/s; Female: from 5.4 ± 0.3 to 5.4 ± 0.3 to 5.4 ± 0.3 m/s, p<0.05), but the response to exercise was similar. In men, brachial PWV remained the same after EX and increased at 30 min post exercise (from 7.8 ± 0.2 to 7.8 ± 0.3 to 8.5 ± 0.2 m/s), whereas in women brachial PWV decreased after EX (from 7.6 ± 0.3 to 7.0 ± 0.3 to 7.1 ± 0.3 m/s, p<0.05). Leg PWV changed with time (Male: from 8.8 ± 0.3 to 8.0 ± 0.5 to 8.6 ± 0.3 m/s; Female: from 8.4 ± 0.5 to 7.1 ± 0.3 to 7.9 ± 0.4m/s, p< 0.05), but no sex differences was found. This is the first study to note large sex differences in the peripheral arterial response to exercise, suggesting greater central arterial stiffness in young men and brachial arterial stiffening following exercise. This is consistent with the notion of higher cardiovascular risk even in young men than in women.

Endothelial Vasomotor Function and Arterial Stiffness in Young Men with Arterial Hypertension, Grade I, and Their Relation with Red Blood Cell Distribution Width

Endothelial Vasomotor Function and Arterial Stiffness in Young Men with Arterial Hypertension, Grade I, and Their Relation with Red Blood Cell Distribution Width

Static Exercise With Whole-body Vibration Reduces Post-exercise Leg Arterial Stiffness in Young Men With Pre-hypertension

Pre-hypertension is associated with increased carotid-femoral (cf) pulse wave velocity (PWV). Static squat with whole-body vibration (WBV) acutely decreases brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) in healthy men, but it may increase sympathetic activity and consequently arterial stiffness and hemodynamic responses. PURPOSE: To examine acute effects of static squat with and without WBV on arterial and cardiac autonomic function in young (23 ± 1 yr) men with pre-hypertension. METHODS: Measures of PWV, augmentation index (AIx), aortic blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), high-frequency (LnHF) and low-frequency (LnLF) power of HR variability, and LnLF/HF were assessed in the supine position before (pre-exercise) and 5, 15, and 30 min following 10 sets of static squat with (40 Hz and 2.5 mm) and without WBV (control) on separate days. RESULTS: Femoral-ankle PWV (faPWV) was lower (P < 0.05) than pre-exercise throughout the recovery and lower (P < 0.001) than control at 30 min post-exercise. HR increased and LnHF decreased (P < 0.05) at 5 min post-exercise and returned to pre-exercise levels at 15 min post-exercise in both trials. The LnLF/HF ratio increased (P < 0.001) above pre-exercise throughout the recovery after both trials. CONCLUSIONS: Acute static squat with WBV decreases post-exercise faPWV without an apparent effect on cfPWV, baPWV, AIx and BP in young pre-hypertensive men. Static squat with and without WBV elicits mild and short-lasting changes in cardiac autonomic modulation of HR.

Effects of Acute Resistance Exercise on Arterial Stiffness in Young Men

Background and ObjectivesIncreased central arterial stiffness is an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Acute aerobic exercise reduces arterial stiffness, while acute resistance exercise may increase arterial stiffness, but this is not a universal finding. We tested whether an acute resistance exercise program was associated with an increase in arterial stiffness in healthy young men.Subjects and MethodsThirteen healthy subjects were studied under parallel experimental conditions on 2 separate days. The order of experiments was randomized between resistance exercise (8 resistance exercises at 60% of 1 repeated maximal) and sham control (seated rest in the exercise room). Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and aortic augmentation index as indices of aortic stiffness were measured using applanation tonometry. Measurements were made at baseline before treatments, 20 minutes, and 40 minutes after treatments (resistance exercise and sham control).ResultsThere was no difference in resting heart rate or in arterial stiffness between the two experimental conditions at baseline. At 20 minutes after resistance exercise, heart rate, carotid-femoral PWV and augmentation index@75(%) were significantly increased in the resistance exercise group compared with the sham control (p<0.05). Brachial blood pressure, central blood pressure and pulse pressure were not significantly increased after resistance exercise.ConclusionAn acute resistance exercise program can increase arterial stiffness in young healthy men. Further studies are needed to clarify the effects of long-term resistance training on arterial stiffness.

Muscular Strength is Negatively Associated with Aortic Stiffness in Young Men

Aortic arterial is a marker of morbidity, mortality and is associated with cardiovascular disease. While aerobic capacity and aerobic exercise are associated with lower arterial stiffness, recent evidence suggests resistance exercise may increase arterial stiffness. Interestingly, low, not high, muscle strength is associated with increased mortality suggesting the relationship between muscle strength and arterial stiffness need further investigation. PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between muscular strength and central arterial stiffness in young men. METHODS: Arterial stiffness, muscular strength and aerobic capacity were measured in 55 young men (22.5 + 3 yrs). Height, weight, and brachial blood pressure were also recorded. Muscular strength was determined using a one repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press test which was then divided by bodyweight to determine relative strength (1-RMrel). Aerobic fitness (VO2 peak) was tested on a Lode cycle ergometer and reported in ml/kg/min. Central aortic stiffness was measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV) using a single high-fidelity strain gauge transducer with ECG timing. RESULTS: There was a significant negative correlation between aortic stiffness and strength (r=−0.390, p<0.05). The relationship remained significant (r=−0.341, p<0.05) when controlling for age, BMI, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and aerobic fitness. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that there is a significant negative association between muscular strength and aortic stiffness in young men. This finding contrasts previous data showing that resistance training is associated with increased arterial stiffness.

Effect of resistance training on arterial wave reflection and brachial artery reactivity in normotensive postmenopausal women

Large elastic artery stiffness increases with age and menopause is a mitigating factor in women. High-intensity resistance training (RT) increases arterial stiffness in young men and women. However, the effects of moderate intensity RT on central aortic pressure wave reflection in healthy postmenopausal women are unknown. Healthy sedentary normotensive postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to either 18 weeks (2 days/week) of RT (RES n = 13) or aerobic training (AER n = 10). Central aortic pressure wave reflection and brachial artery reactivity were assessed before and after training. Central aortic pressure wave reflection was evaluated by measuring aortic augmentation index (AI(a)) and round trip travel time (Deltat (p)) of the reflected arterial pressure wave using applanation tonometry. Brachial artery reactivity was assessed using brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD). Eighteen weeks of RT did not change AI(a) (28.9 +/- 1.9 vs. 28.5 +/- 1.9%; mean +/- S.E.M.) or Deltat (p) (140.6 +/- 2.4 vs. 141.2 +/- 2.1 ms). In contrast, the AER group showed a decrease in AI(a) from 28.8 +/- 2.1 to 25.1 +/- 1.4% (P < 0.05) and an increase in Deltat (p) from 137.3 +/- 2.5 to 144.6 +/- 2.9 ms (P < 0.05). Brachial FMD did not significantly change in either group following training. This prospective, randomized study demonstrated that moderate intensity whole body RT in previously sedentary, normotensive postmenopausal women does not alter central aortic pressure wave reflection.