Aerobic Training and Pulse Wave Velocity in People with Normal and Elevated Blood Pressure

Ricardo Cordeiro; Jeferson Rocha; José Silva; Sabrina Santos; Bruno Oliveira; Michel Silva; Paulo Farinatti

doi:10.1055/a-2647-2170

International Journal of Sports Medicine, Table of Contents

Int J Sports Med
DOI: 10.1055/a-2647-2170

Review

Aerobic Training and Pulse Wave Velocity in People with Normal and Elevated Blood Pressure

Authors

Ricardo Cordeiro

¹Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN28130)
Jeferson Rocha

¹Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN28130)
José Silva

¹Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN28130)
Sabrina Santos

¹Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN28130)
Bruno Oliveira

²Departamento de Educação Física e Desportos, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN67825)
Michel Silva

¹Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN28130)
Paulo Farinatti

¹Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN28130)

Abstract

Research on chronic aerobic exercise (AE) and arterial stiffness has yielded mixed results, largely due to differences in participant characteristics and training protocols. This meta-analysis included 26 trials (40 interventions; n=756; average age 42±15 y) to assess AE’s effect on arterial stiffness, measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and to explore moderating factors. AE programs averaged 40±19 minutes/session, 3±1 d/wk, over 11±8 weeks, with intensities between 3 and 8 METs. Random-effects analysis showed AE significantly reduced central (− 1.02 m/s), mixed (− 0.34 m/s), and peripheral (− 0.72 m/s) PWV, with an overall mean reduction of−0.93 m/s and no differences between arterial beds. However, only a subset of studies showed significant reductions: 9/25 for central, 3/6 for mixed, and 4/8 for peripheral PWV. Studies with higher methodological quality yielded larger effect sizes. Reductions in PWV were consistent across participants with normal or high blood pressure, differing baseline PWV, and both younger and older adults, regardless of blood pressure changes. The impact of training components was inconsistent, suggesting AE benefits across a range of intensities and volumes. Overall, AE appears to reduce arterial stiffness across diverse populations and exercise protocols, supporting its role in improving vascular health.

Keywords

arterial stiffness - aerobic exercise - blood pressure - systematic review - health

Full Text

References

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