Effects of Lifestyle Physical Activity on Vascular Function in Asymptomatic Peripheral Arterial Disease

PURPOSEThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 12-wk in-home self-monitored physical activity (PA) program targeting a combination of lifestyle PA program on changes in endothelial reactivity, arterial stiffness, sedentary behaviors, and upright and stepping activities in individuals with asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease (APAD). METHODSParticipants (n = 38) with APAD (ages 52–87 yr) were randomized to attention control (AC) or a PA sedentary reduction (PASR) group using an interactive online 3-month program focusing on increasing lifestyle PA and decreasing sedentary behaviors. The ActivPal™ PA monitor was used to measure postural and stepping parameters. Endothelial reactivity (peripheral arterial tone–reactive hyperemia index [PAT-RHI]) and augmentation index (AIx) were measured using the EndoPAT™ system at baseline and 3 months. RESULTSThe PASR group significantly decreased daily sit/lie hours (−0.80 ± 0.87 vs 0.18 ± 0.77 P = 0.001), increased sit-to-stand transitions per day (7.1 ± 10.5 vs −1.4 ± 5.71, P < 0.001), and increased daily step counts (2814 ± 1753 vs 742 ± 1321, P < 0.001). The PASR group also increased steps per day accumulated within specific cadence bands 61–80 steps per minute (1252 ± 447 vs 177 ± 359, P < 0.001), 81–100 steps per minute band (919 ± 511 vs −98 ± 697, P < 0.001), and within the 101–120 steps per minute band (415 ± 625 vs −327 ± 467, P < 0.001) versus the AC group. PAT-RHI significantly increased in the PASR group (0.179 ± 0.180 vs 0.0.044 ± 0.101, P = 0.019), whereas no significant changes were observed in PAT-AIx. CONCLUSIONSModest improvements in microvascular reactivity, PA, sedentary behavior, but not arterial stiffness were demonstrated after a 12-wk intervention targeting sedentary behavior reduction and increased lifestyle PA in individuals with APAD.