Identifier
etd-10232009-125139
Degree
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Kinesiology
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
The ability to distribute blood from areas with low demand to areas with high demand, such as occurs during exercise, is a critical function of the circulatory system. PURPOSE: To compare the resting diameter and vasoreactivity of the brachial artery in elite strength athletes to those of age-matched controls. We hypothesized that the brachial arteries of strength athletes would have larger diameters at rest, and show greater vasoreactivity in response to cuff occlusion and a cold pressor test than in untrained individuals. METHODS: Eight elite strength athletes (age, 23 ± 2 years) and ten age-matched controls (age, 22 ± 1 years) were studied. Using high-resolution ultrasonography, brachial diameter was assessed at rest and following 5 minutes of forearm occlusion (BAFMD) and a cold pressor test. RESULTS: The average resting brachial diameters of strength athletes (5.39 mm ± 1.51) was significantly larger than the diameters of the control group (3.73 mm ± 0.71). On average, strength athletes showed significantly greater vasodilation (BAFMD % Δ athletes, 8.21% ± 1.78; controls 5.69% ± 1.56) in response to cuff release and significantly greater vasoconstriction (CPT % Δ athletes, -2.95 ± 1.07; controls -1.20 ± 0.48) in response to the cold pressor test. The combined effect of vasodilation and vasoconstriction indicates a greater physiologic vascular operating range in the athletes (0.55 mm) compared to the controls (0.25 mm). CONCLUSIONS: This study reports significant differences in vascular responses to vasodilatory and constrictor stimuli of elite strength athletes and age-matched controls. These differential responses in the elite athletes suggest a well-adapted vasculature defined by a wide vascular operating range.
Date
2009
Document Availability at the Time of Submission
Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.
Recommended Citation
Blalock, Paul Joseph, "Comparison of brachial artery vasoreactivity in elite athletes and age-matched controls" (2009). LSU Master's Theses. 3586.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/3586
Committee Chair
Welsch, Michael A.
DOI
10.31390/gradschool_theses.3586