Vessel wall properties of large arteries in trained and sedentary subjects

Vessel wall properties (distensibility coefficient and cross-sectional compliance) of the elastic common carotid artery (CCA) and the muscular femoral (FA) and brachial (BA) arteries were studied with a dedicated ultrasound system in 15 trained male cyclists and 15 healthy sedentary males matched for age, height, and weight. Simultaneously, arm blood pressure was measured with a Dinamap and heart rate and stroke index were measured with bioimpedance electrocardiography. Heart rate at rest was significantly lower and stroke index significantly higher in the trained subjects. Blood pressure and pulse pressure did not differ. Vessel wall properties and diameter of CCA showed no differences between the groups. Diameter of FA was significantly greater (p less than 0.05) in cyclists and cross-sectional compliance (CC) tended to be higher. Distensibility coefficient (DC) was not different. Diameter of BA was not different in the two groups. CC of BA was significantly higher in the cyclists (p less than 0.02), DC was 22% higher (p greater than 0.09). These results suggest that this type of endurance training might cause structural adaptation of FA and a more general decrease in muscle tone of muscular arteries.