Exercise Training Improves Brachial Artery Endothelial Function, but Does Not Alter Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The study aimed to systematically review the effects of exercise training (EX) on brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Five electronic databases were searched: (i) patients with PAD aged >= 18; (ii) structured EX >= 2 weeks; (iii) measured brachial artery FMD; and (iv) measured blood inflammatory biomarkers. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. EX increased FMD but had no effect on C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Subgroups with moderate intensity had a greater increase in FMD than subgroups with vigorous intensity. There was no difference in effect on FMD and three inflammatory biomarkers between subgroups training for <= 12 weeks and > 12 weeks of EX, < 50 min and >= 50 min of session duration, and < 150 min and >= 150 min of weekly volume, respectively. These results suggest that EX-induced improvement in vascular function can be independent of the improvement of systemic inflammation.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exercise training on vascular function and inflammation levels in PAD patients. The study found that exercise training increased flow-mediated dilation but had no significant effect on inflammatory biomarkers. Moderate intensity exercise training resulted in greater improvement in vascular function. In addition, the duration and frequency of exercise training did not significantly affect vascular function and inflammation levels.