Abstract
The arterial system has two primary functions. The conduit function is to
transport adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and the
cushioning function is to buffer and cushion the pulsatile pressure exerted
by intermittent ventricular contractions. The impairments in these two
functions often result from physiological changes characterized by
endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffening. Habitual physical exercise
has been advocated to combat these physiological dysfunctions. However,
exercise is remarkably diverse, as it can be performed in different media
(water, land or snow), seasons (winter or summer), and settings (individual,
pair or team). In contrast to mainstream modes of exercise including walking
and running, many of the alternative or “minor” forms of
exercise have been under-researched by investigators in research fields and
overlooked by clinicians and practitioners in clinical settings. It remains
largely unknown whether these alternative forms of exercise are associated
with favorable changes in arterial stiffness and endothelium-dependent
vasodilation. The current review introduces and summarizes research
investigations that evaluated the impacts of these under-appreciated and
overlooked exercises and their impacts on key markers of vascular functions
in humans.
Key words
aging - arterial stiffness - endothelial function - physical activity
