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

Abstract

Study design: An investigation on large and small artery compliance in 36 able-bodied persons and persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).Objective: 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). Setting: Tertiary rehabilitation center in Canada. Methods: Large and small artery compliance were measured at the radial artery and physical activity was assessed via questionnaire. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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. © 2013 International Spinal Cord Society All rights reserved.