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Effect of regular physical training on cutaneous microvascular reactivity
1Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia. helena.lenasi.ml@mf.uni-lj.si
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|April 6, 2004
Summary
Regular intense physical training enhances microvascular vasodilation in both glabrous and nonglabrous skin. This improved blood flow capacity in trained individuals suggests adaptations in vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial function.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Dermatology
Background:
- Microvascular reactivity is crucial for thermoregulation and nutrient delivery.
- Physical training is known to induce cardiovascular adaptations, but its effects on skin microvasculature require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if regular intense physical training alters microvascular reactivity in human glabrous (e.g., finger pulp) and nonglabrous (e.g., hand dorsum) skin.
Main Methods:
- Compared trained cyclists (N=19) with sedentary controls (N=20).
- Measured cutaneous microvascular blood flow using laser-Doppler (LD) method.
- Assessed endothelium-dependent vasodilation via acetylcholine iontophoresis and postocclusive reactive hyperemia (PRH).
- Evaluated endothelium-independent vasodilation using sodium-nitroprusside (SNP) iontophoresis.
Main Results:
- Cyclists showed a significantly greater acetylcholine-evoked increase in LD flux compared to controls.
- No difference in peak LD flux during PRH was observed, but trained subjects had longer PRH recovery times and larger PRH areas.
- Cyclists exhibited a smaller response to sodium-nitroprusside, indicating altered vascular smooth muscle cell reactivity.
Conclusions:
- Physically trained individuals possess enhanced endothelial vasodilator capacity in both glabrous and nonglabrous skin.
- Regular physical activity modifies the reactivity of vascular smooth muscle cells, contributing to improved microvascular function.