Abstract
We reported previously that a static handgrip exercise evoked regional
differences in the facial blood flow. The present study examined whether
regional differences in facial blood flow are also evoked during dynamic
exercise. Facial blood flow was measured by laser speckle flowgraphy during
15 min of cycling exercise at heart rates of 120 bpm,
140 bpm and 160 bpm in 12 subjects. The facial vascular
conductance index was calculated from the blood flow and mean arterial pressure.
The regional blood flow and conductance index values were determined in the
forehead, eyelid, nose, cheek, ear and lip. One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s
post-hoc test were used to examine effects of exercise intensity and target
regions. The blood flow and conductance index in skin areas increased
significantly with the exercise intensity. The blood flow and conductance index
in the lip increased significantly at 120 bpm and 140 bpm
compared to the control, while the values in the lip at 160 bpm did not
change from the control values. These results suggest that the blood flow in
facial skin areas, not in the lip, responds similarly to dynamic exercise, in
contrast to the responses to static exercise.
Key words
facial skin circulation - regional difference - temperature