Mechanisms of exercise-induced reduction in peripheral arterial stiffness

Figures

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  Fig. 1. Measurements of brachial-radial pulse wave velocity (PWV) before and after 5-min of rhythmic handgrip exercise and passive mechanical compressions (mean ± SD) in all participants (n = 20). *P < 0.001 compared to baseline for all conditions. # P < 0.01 compared to baseline for 50% MVC

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  Fig. 2. Continuous sec-by-sec brachial blood flow tracings from all participants from baseline, 5-min intervention, and 4-min recovery (10-min total). The left arrow indicates the onset of either rhythmic handgrip exercise or passive mechanical compressions of the forearm vasculature, while the right arrow indicates the end of exercise or compressions. MVC, maximal voluntary contraction

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  Fig. 3. Brachial blood flow average for 1-min at baseline, the last minute of intervention (rhythmic handgrip exercise or passive mechanical compressions), and the last minute of recovery for all participants (n = 20). Data are presented as mean ± SD. * P < 0.001 compared to baseline for that intervention. # P < 0.001 compared to both other interventions. ┼P < 0.05 compared to both other interventions

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  Fig. 4. Mean brachial artery diameter for 1-min at baseline, the last minute of intervention (rhythmic handgrip exercise or passive mechanical compressions), and the last minute of recovery for all participants (n = 20). Data are presented as mean ± SD. * P < 0.001 compared to baseline for that intervention. # P < 0.001 compared to compressions for that time