Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Measuring Ascending Aortic Stiffness In Vivo in Mice Using Ultrasound
Published on: December 2, 2014
Can isometric exercise training improve arterial stiffness and endothelial function in middle-aged and older adults?
Ziyi Li1, Shuiquan Tan2, Ping Luo3
1Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Objective:
To evaluate the effects of isometric exercise training (IET) on arterial stiffness (AS) and endothelial function (EF) in middle-aged and older adults through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Methods:
We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases (up to January 1, 2026) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of IET on pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), or flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in adults aged 45 years or more. Effect sizes were pooled using random- or fixed-effects models to calculate weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results:
Ten RCTs with a total of 375 participants were included. Meta-analysis revealed that IET significantly reduced central PWV (WMD -1.06 m/s, 95% CI -1.58 to -0.54, P < 0.01) and AIx (WMD -4.85%, 95% CI -9.43 to -0.26, P = 0.03), and significantly improved FMD (WMD 2.87%, 95% CI 1.79 to 3.95, P < 0.01). However, no significant effect was observed on peripheral PWV (WMD 0.08 m/s, 95% CI -0.07 to 0.23, P = 0.45).
Conclusion:
IET effectively improves central AS and EF in middle-aged and older adults. This study provides a novel intervention strategy and evidence-based support for optimizing cardiovascular health management in this population, particularly for those intolerant of traditional exercise modalities.
Related Concept Videos
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
