Central Blood Pressure and Peripheral Augmentation Index Following Acute Submaximal Arm Versus Leg Exercise

Background: Aerobic exercises like running and cycling may lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk through favorable effects on central blood pressure and vascular function. Arm ergometry is a popular exercise modality used in rehabilitation settings, but little is known regarding the central hemodynamic and vascular effects of this form of exercise.

Purpose: To compare the acute effects of leg versus arm exercise on central blood pressure and vascular function.

Methods: Twenty-one participants (n = 11 female, Age 21 ± 3, BMI 24.5 ± 3.2 kg/m) completed two visits to the Human Performance Laboratory. Central systolic blood pressure (cSBP), central diastolic blood pressure (cDBP), and peripheral augmentation index (pAIx) were measured using a brachial oscillometric blood pressure cuff with measures being taken before and after 20 min of acute moderate-intensity (submaximal) arm or leg cycling exercise.

Results: There was a condition-by-time interaction for pAIx (p = 0.011). pAIx slightly increased following arm exercise but significantly decreased following leg exercise. There was a condition-by-time interaction for cDBP (p = 0.011). cDBP significantly decreased following arm exercise but increased immediately following leg exercise. There was no condition-by-time interaction for cSBP (p = 0.721). There were similar acute increases in cSBP immediately post-exercise for both conditions.

Conclusion: Arm exercise increased pAlx and decreased cDBP compared to leg exercise. As an increase in pAIx may increase left ventricular work and a reduction in cDBP may reduce coronary perfusion pressure, these findings suggest that a single bout of arm exercise may not have the same favorable acute effect on central hemodynamic load as a single bout of leg exercise.