Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Published on: December 11, 2013
Effect of upper- and lower-limb exercise training on circulating soluble adhesion molecules, hs-CRP and stress
J M Saxton1, I Zwierska, K Hopkinson
1Centre for Sport and Exercise Science, Sheffield Hallam University, Collegiate Crescent Campus, Sheffield S10 2BP, UK. j.m.saxton@shu.ac.uk
Objectives:
To investigate the effects of exercise training on levels of circulating biomarkers associated with the progression of atherosclerosis and risk of cardiovascular events in patients with intermittent claudication.
Methods:
Circulating levels of soluble adhesion molecules (sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, sE-selectin), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and stress proteins (Hsp60 and Hsp70) in patients randomised to a 24-week programme of arm- or leg-cranking exercise were compared with those in usual care controls.
Results:
Arm and leg exercise similarly improved lower-limb aerobic exercise capacity (20% vs 19%, respectively; P<0.001) and maximum walking distance (30% vs 35%, respectively; P<0.001). Improvements in training limb-specific peak oxygen consumption were attenuated for patients in the highest vs lowest quartile for circulating sVCAM-1 levels at baseline (3% vs 25% respectively, P<0.001). Although circulating hs-CRP levels tended to be lower in the arm-cranking group (-1.55 [95% CI: -1.06 to -2.26]mgl(-1)), exercise training had no effect on circulating levels of soluble adhesion molecules or stress proteins.
Conclusions:
These findings suggest that high levels of circulating sVCAM-1 are associated with an attenuated exercise training response and that arm-cranking exercise may provide an effective stimulus for evoking systemic anti-inflammatory adaptations in patients with intermittent claudication.
Related Concept Videos
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
