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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-08-2015 | Original Article

Impact of handgrip exercise intensity on brachial artery flow-mediated dilation

Authors: Ceri L. Atkinson, Howard H. Carter, Ellen A. Dawson, Louise H. Naylor, Dick H. J. Thijssen, Daniel J. Green

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 8/2015

Abstract

Purpose

Previous studies that have examined the impact of exercise intensity on conduit artery endothelial function have involved large muscle group exercise which induces local and systemic effects. The aim of this study was to examine flow-mediated dilation (FMD) before and after incremental intensities of handgrip exercise (HE), to assess the role of local factors such as blood flow and shear rate on post-exercise brachial artery function.

Methods

Eleven healthy men attended the laboratory on three occasions. Subjects undertook 30 min of handgrip exercise at three intensities (5, 10 or 15 % MVC). Brachial artery FMD, shear and blood flow patterns were examined before, immediately after and 60 min post exercise.

Results

Handgrip exercise increased mean and antegrade shear rate (SR) and blood flow (BF) and reduced retrograde SR and BF (all P < 0.01). Exercise intensity was associated with a dose-dependent increase in both mean and antegrade BF and SR (interaction, P < 0.01). Post-hoc tests revealed that, whilst handgrip exercise did not immediately induce post-exercise changes, FMD was significantly higher 60 min post-exercise following the highest exercise intensity (5.9 ± 2.8–10.4 ± 5.8 %, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Handgrip exercise leads to intensity-and time-dependent changes in conduit artery function, possibly mediated by local increases in shear, with improvement in function evident at 1 h post-exercise when performed at a higher intensity.

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Title: Impact of handgrip exercise intensity on brachial artery flow-mediated dilation
Authors: Ceri L. Atkinson
Howard H. Carter
Ellen A. Dawson
Louise H. Naylor
Dick H. J. Thijssen
Daniel J. Green
Publication date: 01-08-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 8/2015
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3157-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Impact of handgrip exercise intensity on brachial artery flow-mediated dilation

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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