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Microvascular Dilator Function in Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
David Montero1, Guillaume Walther, Candela Diaz-Cañestro
11Avignon University, Avignon, FRANCE; 2Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, THE NETHERLANDS; 3Applied Biology Department, Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernandez University, SPAIN; 4School of Exercise Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, AUSTRALIA; 5School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, CANADA; 6Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO;7Department of Child Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; 8Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO.
Regular exercise training enhances microvascular function in healthy individuals. Athletes, both young and master, show improved microvascular endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent dilation compared to untrained controls.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Vascular adaptations to exercise are increasingly studied.
- The impact of regular training on microvascular function in healthy individuals requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review literature on microvascular function in athletes.
- To compare microvascular dilator function in athletes versus age-matched untrained subjects.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of major scientific databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, Web of Science) until October 2013.
- Meta-analysis of microvascular endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent dilation (MVEDD and MVEID) indices.
- Subgroup analyses for age-related factors.
Main Results:
- 36 studies involving 521 athletes and 496 controls were analyzed.
- Athletes demonstrated significantly higher MVEDD (SMD, 0.47; P < 0.00001) and MVEID (SMD, 0.51; P < 0.00001).
- Enhanced function was observed in both young and master athletes.
Conclusions:
- Athletes exhibit superior microvascular function compared to healthy untrained individuals.
- Exercise training is positively associated with enhanced microvascular function in the absence of cardiovascular disease.
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