The acute effects of different types of aerobic exercise on endothelial function and arterial stiffness

Abstract

Purpose: Chronic exercise training improves endothelial function in individuals with cardiovascular diseases; however, the acute endothelial responses to different types of exercise are not consistent in the literature. Measurement of endothelial function and arterial stiffness are well validated in large populations as strong predictors of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We investigated the acute effects of continuous moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (CAE) and high intensity interval aerobic exercise (hIAE) on endothelial function and arterial stiffness in healthy subjects. Methods: Fifteen healthy men (mean aged 22±3 yr) were recruited in this cross over study. They participated in two exercise sessions: a) CAE: volume at 50% of maximum aerobic work on a cycle ergometer for 30 min and b) hIAE: interval maximum aerobic work on a cycle ergometer for 30 min. Endothelial function was evaluated by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the brachial artery. Carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was measured as an index of the central aortic stiffness, while femoral tibial PWV (ftPWV) was measured as an index of peripheral arterial stiffness. Measurements were carried out before and immediately after exercise sessions. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in baseline measurements between CAE and hIAE concerning FMD measurements (6.39±1.51% vs. 5.89±0.76m/sec, p=0.12), cfPWV (5.89±0.76m/sec vs. 5.86±0.64m/sec, p=0.83) and in ftPWV (9.30±1.24m/sec vs. 9.20±1.29m/sec, p=0.76). Both CAE (8.05±1.75% vs. 6.39±1.51%, p<0.001) and hIAE (7.99±2.14% vs. 5.74±1.77%, p<0.001) caused a significant improvement in FMD compared to baseline measurements. Moreover, CAE and hIAE had no impact in cfPWV compared to baseline measurements (p=NS for both). Interestingly, compared to baseline measurements, CAE (9.20±1.29m/sec vs. 8.20±0.85m/sec, p<0.001) and IAE (9.44±1.02m/sec vs. 7.65±1.00m/sec, p=0.002) significantly improved ftPWV. Conclusion: Continuous moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and high intensity interval aerobic exercise can favorably affect endothelial function suggesting another cardioprotective effect of exercise on atherosclerosis progression. These types of aerobic exercise have a different impact on central and peripheral arterial stiffness. Further studies are needed to elucidate the impact of different types of aerobic exercise in cardiovascular health.