Effects of exercise modalities on arterial stiffness and wave reflection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Physical activity is associated with lower cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. However, the effects of different exercise modalities on arterial stiffness are currently unclear. Our objectives were to investigate the effects of exercise modalities (aerobic, resistance or combined) on pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx), and to determine whether the effects on these indices differed according to the participants' or exercise characteristics.

Methods

We searched the Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library databases from inception until April 2014 for randomized controlled trials lasting ≥ 4 weeks investigating the effects of exercise modalities on PWV and AIx in adults aged ≥ 18 years.

Results

Forty-two studies (1627 partici

SUBMITTER: Ashor AW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4198209 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature