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Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
Published on: May 3, 2018
Cardiorespiratory Fitness Modifies the Relationship Between Arterial Stiffness and Cerebral Blood Flow Independent of
Insights
Higher cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and meeting physical activity (PA) guidelines, particularly moderate-intensity exercise, can protect against increased arterial stiffness impacting cerebral blood flow (CBF). This research highlights the benefits of an active lifestyle for brain health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Neurovascular Health
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Central arterial stiffness is inversely related to cerebral blood flow (CBF).
- Low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and physical activity (PA) are associated with increased arterial stiffness and reduced CBF.
- The moderating roles of CRF and PA on the arterial stiffness-CBF relationship require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine if CRF or PA influence the relationship between arterial stiffness and CBF.
- To determine if PA intensity or type affects arterial stiffness and CBF.
- To understand how fitness levels impact cerebrovascular regulation.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-eight participants were stratified into low, average, and high fitness groups based on treadmill test performance.
- Physical activity was assessed using the CHAMPS questionnaire, categorizing participants by meeting PA recommendations (PA Rec Met), intensity, and type (exercise, sports, work).
- Arterial stiffness (aortic pulse wave velocity, aoPWV) and CBF were measured using 2D and 4D phase contrast MRI.
Main Results:
- The relationship between aoPWV and CBF varied significantly by fitness level, showing a negative association in low fitness and positive associations in average and high fitness groups.
- Meeting PA recommendations (PA Rec Met), engaging in moderate-intensity PA, and performing exercise-related activities significantly moderated the aoPWV-CBF relationship.
- Specific PA parameters, including intensity and activity type, demonstrated significant effects on cerebrovascular regulation in relation to arterial stiffness.
Conclusions:
- Average to high CRF levels attenuate the negative impact of arterial stiffness on CBF.
- Adherence to PA guidelines, particularly moderate-intensity and exercise-related activities, mitigates the detrimental effects of arterial stiffness on cerebral circulation.
- Fitness and specific PA modalities are crucial factors in maintaining healthy cerebrovascular function.
Introduction:
Central arterial stiffness and cerebral blood flow (CBF) are inversely related. Poor cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and low physical activity (PA) are related to both higher arterial stiffness and lower CBF. The present study examined (i) whether CRF or PA moderate the relationship between arterial stiffness and CBF and (ii) whether the intensity or the type of PA need to be considered.
Methods:
Participants (N=78, Mean AGE =64.2±6.14, 72% female) from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention and the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center were categorized into low, average and high fitness groups based on maximal graded exercise treadmill test performance. PA was assessed using the CHAMPS questionnaire. Based on hours/week, participants were classified as meeting the recommended 2.5 hours of moderate intensity PA per week (PA Rec Met). Weekly hours of moderate and low intensity PA were calculated as activities of > 3 or < 3 metabolic equivalents, respectively. Activity type was categorized as exercise-, sports/leisure- and work-related. Arterial stiffness was measured as aortic pulse wave velocity (aoPWV) by 2D phase contrast MRI. CBF was assessed by 4D flow MRI in the internal carotid arteries (ICAs), cavernous ICAs, middle cerebral arteries (MCAs), and via two composite measures of total and global flow.
Results:
The association between aoPWV and CBF differed by fitness levels, with a negative relationship in the low fitness group and positive relationships in the average and high fitness groups (all P s<0.05). Significant moderating effects on the relationships between aoPWV and CBF were also observed for PA Rec Met (all P s<0.05), moderate intensity ( P =0.05) and exercise-related (all P s<0.02) PA.
Discussion:
Average or high fitness, meeting the PA guidelines, and more specifically, moderate intensity and exercise-related PA seem to attenuate the negative relationship between aoPWV on CBF.
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