Whole-body vibrations do not elevate the angiogenic stimulus when applied during resistance exercise

Area of Science:

• Exercise physiology
• Molecular biology
• Angiogenesis research

Background:

• Limited knowledge exists on biological factors driving exercise-induced angiogenesis.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing training interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the angiogenic stimulus of resistance exercise (RE) with and without whole-body vibrations (RVE).
• To compare the effects of RE and RVE on circulating angiogenic factors and endothelial cell proliferation.
• To assess changes after a 6-week training intervention.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-six healthy males underwent RE and RVE protocols before and after a 6-week intervention.
• Serum levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, VEGF, and endostatin were measured using ELISA.
• In vitro endothelial cell proliferation was assessed via BrdU assay using serum treatment.

Main Results:

• Both RE and RVE significantly elevated circulating MMP-2, MMP-9, VEGF, and endostatin.
• Post-exercise VEGF was higher in the RE group compared to RVE.
• RE increased endothelial cell proliferation and post-exercise endostatin after 6 weeks; RVE did not show these effects.

Conclusions:

• Resistance exercise transiently increases circulating angiogenic factors and enhances endothelial cell proliferation.
• Superimposing whole-body vibrations to resistance exercise may not augment angiogenic signaling in skeletal muscle.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms of exercise-induced angiogenesis.