Abstract
This study investigated the effects of a low to moderately intense resistance-band
exercise intervention on cutaneous microvascular function in an older population.
18 sedentary healthy participants (age: 58±5) were assessed for their upper and lower-limb
endothelial cutaneous vascular conductance using laser Doppler fluximetry with endothelial-dependent
(80 μl acetylcholine chloride), and -independent vasodilation (80 μl sodium nitroprusside).
In addition, participants underwent a range of functional assessments (cardiopulmonary
fitness, strength, flexibility), and completed a perceived quality of life questionnaire.
Participants were randomised into 2 groups: Exercise (EX) and Control (CON), and followed
either an 8-week self-supervised home-based resistance-band intervention or maintained
their habitual lifestyle. Following post-intervention assessment (n=16; EX=7, CON=9),
EX improved acetylcholine-chloride-mediated endothelial-dependent vasodilation within
the lower limb (cutaneous vascular conductance at 2 000 μCb; P<0.01), but without
associated changes in the upper limb. Exercise, compared to CON, significantly affected
sodium-nitroprusside-mediated independent vasodilation in the upper limb (P<0.01)
at 2 000 μCb, but without associated changes in the lower limb. Of functional assessments,
only lower limb strength and flexibility improved for EX (P<0.05). EX experienced
positive changes within global measures of General Health, Bodily Pain and Energy/Fatigue
(P<0.05). An 8-week home-based resistance-band exercise programme improves age-provoked
microcirculatory endothelial vasodilation, but without concomitant changes in cardiopulmonary
and anthropometric measures.
Key words
microcirculation - fitness assessment - resistance training - endothelium - ageing