Effect of cycle ergometry on peripheral blood flow, vascular conductance, and vascular resistance in young people

Abstract

Introduction. The study aimed to evaluate haemodynamic changes in peripheral blood flow, vascular conductance (VC), and peripheral vascular resistance (PVR) in healthy individuals undergoing passive and active lower limb cycle ergometry. Methods. This was a prospective, controlled, randomized study with a crossover design, in which 14 normotensive volunteers were allocated to receive: (1) assessment without intervention (control group); (2) passive lower limb cycle ergometry; and (3) active cycle ergometry of lower limbs. In the physical exercise session of the active and passive lower limb cycle ergometry protocol, the volunteers were placed in the supine position and then performed aerobic exercise for 20 minutes. Forearm blood flow was measured with a venous occlusion plethysmograph, blood pressure was evaluated with oscillometric and automatic equipment, and heart rate was monitored continuously through lead II of electrocardiogram. Results. Active cycle ergometry was able to promote hypotension after physical exercise owing to a reduction in mean blood pressure (p = 0.000), with an improvement in vascular function as reflected by a reduction in PVR (p = 0.000) and an increase in VC (p = 0.000). Although the reduction in mean blood pressure in the passive cycle ergometry group was not significant, it was sufficient to promote an increase in VC (p = 0.049) and a reduction in PVR (p = 0.008). Conclusions. A single session of 20 minutes of physical exercise with passive or active cycle ergometry of the lower limbs was sufficient to promote haemodynamic changes in normotensive individuals.