title: Effects of upper-limb exercise on lower-limb cutaneous microvascular function in post-surgical varicose-vein patients.
abstract: Regular walking exercise attenuates lower-limb cutaneous microvascular endothelial dysfunction in post-surgical varicose-vein patients. This study assessed the effects of upper-limb exercise training on lower-limb cutaneous microvascular function in this patient group. Six post-surgical (4-5 weeks) varicose-vein patients completed an 8-week arm-crank exercise training programme. Changes in cutaneous microvascular function of the lower leg were assessed using laser Doppler flowmetry and iontophoretic administration of endothelial-dependent and -independent agonists [acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), respectively]. At 8 weeks, median lower-limb cutaneous vasodilator responsives to ACh and SNP remained unchanged relative to baseline (e.g. 6 mC: 37 (interquartile range 24-63) vs. 40 (20-71) PU and 35 (23-48) vs. 38 (21-64) PU, respectively for the supine position). Upper-limb exercise appears ineffective for improving lower-limb cutaneous microvascular function in post-surgical varicose-vein patients. Therefore, limb specificity appears an important factor in optimal exercise prescription for these patients.
authors.affiliation: Sheffield Vascular Institute, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: Markos
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Klonizakis
authors.forename: Garry A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Tew
authors.forename: Jonathan A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Michaels
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Saxton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008833:Microcirculation; D008875:Middle Aged; D005082:Physical Exertion; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery
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