Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Measuring Ascending Aortic Stiffness In Vivo in Mice Using Ultrasound
Published on: December 2, 2014
Acute and chronic impact of dynamic exercise on arterial stiffness in older hypertensives
Kunihiko Aizawa1, Robert J Petrella
1Aging, Rehabilitation, & Geriatric Care Research Centre of the Lawson Health Research Institute at Parkwood Hospital; School of Kinesiology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
Abstract:
Arterial stiffness increases with ageing and hypertension. Regular physical activity has been recommended as an important management component of hypertension. The purpose of this study was to examine the acute impact of maximal dynamic exercise and the effect of 20 weeks of aerobic exercise on arterial stiffness of the carotid and brachial arteries in older hypertensives. Nine previously sedentary and treated older hypertensives (2 men and 7 women, age 68.2 +/- 5.4 yrs) performed maximal treadmill exercise to volitional fatigue while arterial stiffness indices (arterial distensibility and beta stiffness index) were measured prior to, immediately (about 10 min) following, and 24 h following maximal exercise. These measurements were repeated following 20 weeks of moderate intensity aerobic exercise training. Maximal exercise had no impact on arterial stiffness indices immediately and 24 h following exercise intervention. Following 20 weeks of training, arterial stiffness indices remained unchanged at rest and following maximal exercise. These data show that, in older hypertensives, 1) acute maximal dynamic exercise had no impact on arterial stiffness of the carotid and brachial arteries, and 2) 20 weeks of moderate intensity aerobic exercise training failed to modify arterial stiffness.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
