Exercise training improves cutaneous microvascular endothelial function in post-surgical varicose vein patients.
This study investigated the effects of exercise training on cutaneous microvascular function in post-surgical varicose vein patients. Sixteen post-surgical (4-5 weeks) varicose vein patients were randomised to a treadmill-walking exercise group or a non-exercise control group. The exercise group trained twice weekly for 8 weeks. Changes in cutaneous microvascular function of the gaiter area were assessed using laser Doppler flowmetry combined with incremental-dose iontophoretic administration of acetylcholine chloride (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in both supine and standing positions. At 8 weeks, peak flux responses to ACh in the supine position were increased in the exercise group (44+/-30 to 62+/-33 PU; P=0.03) with a similar trend in the standing position (37+/-27 to 74+/-31 PU; P=0.08). There were no such changes in the control group (P>0.05). Additionally, peak flux responses to SNP were unchanged in both groups and body positions (P>0.05). The results suggest that moderate-intensity lower-limb exercise training improves microvascular endothelial vasodilator function in post-surgical varicose vein patients.
Klonizakis
M
M
Sheffield Vascular Institute, Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield, S5 7AU, UK.
Tew
G
G
Michaels
J
J
Saxton
J
J
D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000368:Aged; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004727:Endothelium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007478:Iontophoresis; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009599:Nitroprusside / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*
D009599:Nitroprusside; D000109:Acetylcholine