Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
14:52
Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Published on: December 11, 2013
Association between lower-extremity function and arterial compliance in older adults
Kevin J Nickel1, Luke S Acree, Polly S Montgomery
1Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73117, USA.
Angiology
|April 5, 2008
Summary
Older adults with poorer lower-extremity function show reduced small arterial compliance and higher blood pressure. This highlights a link between physical function and cardiovascular health in aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Biomedical Science
Background:
- Aging is associated with declines in both physical function and vascular health.
- Understanding the relationship between these two aspects is crucial for promoting healthy aging.
- Previous research has indicated potential links, but specific associations require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between lower-extremity functional performance and arterial compliance in healthy older adults.
- To determine if measures of arterial stiffness correlate with physical function scores in individuals aged 60 and above.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 46 healthy older adults (18 men, 28 women, ≥60 years) participated.
- Lower-extremity function was assessed using the Summary Performance Score (SPS), incorporating chair rises, balance, and walking speed.
- Arterial compliance and pressure were measured using pulsewave analysis.
Main Results:
- A significant positive association was found between small arterial compliance and the Summary Performance Score (SPS) (r = 0.34, P = .028), even after adjusting for covariates.
- Elevated systolic blood pressure was negatively associated with the SPS (r = -0.314, P = .040).
Conclusions:
- Diminished lower-extremity function in older adults is associated with decreased small arterial compliance.
- These findings suggest that poorer physical function may be an indicator of poorer vascular health in the aging population.
- Interventions aimed at improving lower-extremity function could potentially benefit arterial health in older individuals.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
01:20Arteries of Lower Limbs
The external iliac artery transitions out of the body cavity, entering the femoral region of the lower leg, and is renamed the femoral artery at the point where it traverses the body wall. This artery is responsible for the distribution of blood to the thigh's deep muscles and the skin's ventral and lateral regions, achieved through several minor branches and the lateral deep femoral artery, which also spawns a lateral circumflex artery. The knee area receives blood from the genicular artery,...
01:11Assessing Blood pressure in the Leg
Proper measurement of leg blood pressure is a critical skill for healthcare providers, ensuring precise and reliable readings. When performed correctly, this procedure informs patient care and enhances the efficacy of interventions. The following text outlines step-by-step guidelines to measure blood pressure in the leg, providing clarity and ease of understanding for practitioners.
Preparation:
Preparation:
01:27Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Palpation involves feeling the body to evaluate texture, size, consistency, and tenderness for assessing cardiovascular health. The following steps are organized in a head-to-toe order:
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
01:10Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Accurate blood pressure assessment is crucial for diagnosing and managing various health conditions. To ensure the reliability of these measurements, healthcare professionals must adhere to standardized pre-procedural guidelines. These guidelines enhance patient safety and improve the overall quality of healthcare. The following steps are essential for obtaining accurate and consistent blood pressure readings, from using the appropriate tools to ensuring effective communication with the patient.
01:30Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...