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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
08:33
Induction and Assessment of Exertional Skeletal Muscle Damage in Humans
Published on: December 11, 2016
Arterial stiffening following eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage
Jill N Barnes1, Justin R Trombold, Mandeep Dhindsa
1Cardiovascular Aging Research Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA. Barnes.Jill@mayo.edu
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|July 31, 2010
Summary
Eccentric exercise, even in small muscle groups, temporarily reduces vascular function and increases arterial stiffness. This effect is linked to muscle damage indicators, highlighting a transient cardiovascular risk after exercise.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Acute inflammatory responses are linked to increased cardiovascular event risk.
- This risk may be mediated by reduced vascular function.
- Muscle damage from unaccustomed exercise can trigger inflammatory responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if muscle damage from eccentric exercise unfavorably affects large elastic arteries.
- To measure macrovascular function before and after eccentric exercise.
Main Methods:
- 27 healthy men underwent eccentric exercise (leg press or elbow flexor).
- Macrovascular function (carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity) and muscle damage markers (strength, soreness, creatine kinase) were measured.
- Mean arterial pressure and C-reactive protein were also monitored.
Main Results:
- Eccentric exercise significantly elevated carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity 48 hours post-exercise in both leg and arm groups.
- Muscle damage was confirmed by reduced strength and increased soreness.
- Increased arterial stiffness after arm exercise correlated with muscle strength and creatine kinase levels.
Conclusions:
- Eccentric exercise, regardless of muscle mass involved, causes transient, unfavorable changes in central macrovascular function.
- Increased central arterial stiffness post-exercise is associated with muscle damage indicators.
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