Abstract
Endurance exercises, such as cycling or running, are useful for improving arterial
function. However, people suffering from partial paralysis or arthritis are unable
to perform these kinds of lower-limb exercises. In the present study, we explored
the acute effect of upper-arm exercise on arterial stiffness in healthy men. Fourteen
healthy adult men performed two experimental trials. The order of experiments was
randomized between a 30-min arm-cranking exercise at 50% V̇O2max (A-trial) and a 30-min leg-cycling exercise at 50% V̇O2max (C-trial). The brachial to ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), brachial systolic/diastolic
blood pressure and heart rate were obtained with subjects in the supine position.
The baseline hemodynamic values were not markedly different between the two trials.
Compared with the baseline value, the baPWV was significantly reduced at 30 and 60 min
after the C-trial. In the A-trial, however, there were no significant changes in the
baPWV throughout the trial. These results indicate that acute 50% V̇O2max arm-cranking exercise induced relatively little change in the baPWV, which was the
opposite of the finding observed with leg-cycling exercise. Therefore, in order to
improve arterial function via aerobic upper-arm exercises, the exercise mode/intensity
or other approaches should be considered.
Key words
upper-arm exercise - cycling - arterial stiffness - pulse wave velocity
