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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
05:51
Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
Published on: May 3, 2018
Modulation of arterial stiffness with intensive competitive training
João Maldonado1, Telmo Pereira, Jorge Polónia
1Instituto de Investigação e Formaçõ Cardiovascular, Penacova, Portugal. instituto@iifc.pt
Summary
Competitive athletes exhibit superior arterial compliance compared to controls, indicating potential endothelial benefits. This advantage diminishes with age, possibly due to sustained arterial wall stretching in long-term competitors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Sports Medicine
- Aging Research
Background:
- Aerobic exercise training generally improves cardiovascular health and arterial compliance.
- The specific impact of competitive aerobic exercise on arterial properties and aging is less understood.
- This study investigates arterial properties in athletes versus non-athletes, considering age-related changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate arterial properties in competitive athletes compared to age-matched controls.
- To assess how aging affects arterial properties in athletes and controls.
- To explore the relationship between competitive exercise and endothelial function.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 423 healthy males (212 athletes, 211 controls).
- Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured to assess arterial stiffness.
- Age, blood pressure, and anthropometric data were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Athletes consistently showed lower PWV (better arterial compliance) than controls across age groups (<20 and >20 years).
- Statistically significant differences in PWV were observed between athletes and controls in both age categories.
- Age-related decline in aortic compliance was less pronounced in athletes compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Competitive athletes demonstrate enhanced arterial compliance, potentially linked to improved endothelial function.
- The benefits of athletic training on arterial compliance are age-dependent, becoming less pronounced with older age.
- Sustained arterial wall stretching in long-term competitors may contribute to preserved arterial properties over time.
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