Exploring the microcirculatory effects of an exercise programme including aerobic and resistance training in people with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to explore the effectiveness of a combined exercise protocol (aerobic and resistance training) on microvascular function in people with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc).
Results Summary
The study found that the combined exercise protocol significantly improved endothelial-dependent reactivity, endothelial-independent function, and transcutaneous oxygen pressure compared to the control group. These improvements were statistically significant and clinically relevant.
Population
Thirty-two lcSSc patients (66.5 ± 12 years old).
Effective Dosage
Twice per week.
Duration
12 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
High intensity interval training (HIIT) | increase | endothelial-dependent microvascular function | people with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc) | - | is able to improve | #1 |
Resistance training (RT) alone | increase | function of the vasculature | - | - | has shown significant improvements | #2 |
a combination of aerobic and RT | increase | vascular function and the microcirculation | - | - | have shown both in the past and recently to significantly improve | #3 |
a combined exercise protocol (aerobic and resistance training) | increase | time to peak endothelial-dependent reactivity | lcSSc patients | 91 ± 42 s | was significantly improved | #4 |
a combined exercise protocol (aerobic and resistance training) | increase | Endothelial-independent function | lcSSc patients | 3.16 ± 2 | was also significantly improved | #5 |
a combined exercise protocol (aerobic and resistance training) | increase | Baseline transcutaneous oxygen pressure | lcSSc patients | 5.71 ± 4.4 | were also significantly improved | #6 |
a combined exercise protocol (aerobic and resistance training) | increase | peak transcutaneous oxygen pressure | lcSSc patients | 15.4 ± 7.5 | were also significantly improved | #7 |
a combined exercise protocol (aerobic and RT) | increase | endothelial-dependent reactivity | people with lcSSc | - | was effective in improving | #8 |
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: High intensity interval training (HIIT) is able to improve the endothelial-dependent microvascular function is people with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc). Resistance training (RT) alone has shown significant improvements in the function of the vasculature; moreover, a combination of aerobic and RT have shown both in the past and recently to significantly improve the vascular function and the microcirculation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness of a combined exercise protocol (aerobic and resistance training) on microvascular function in people with lcSSc. METHODS: Thirty-two lcSSc patients (66.5 ± 12 years old) were randomly allocated in two groups (exercise and control group). The exercise group underwent a 12-week exercise programme twice per week. All patients performed the baseline, three- and six-month follow up measurements where microvascular function, transcutaneous oxygen tension (ΔTcpO2) and body composition were assessed. RESULTS: The time to peak endothelial-dependent reactivity was significantly improved (91 ± 42 s, d = 1.06, p = 0.007) when compared to control group after the exercise intervention. Endothelial-independent function was also significantly improved (3.16 ± 2, d = 1.17, p = 0.005) when compared to the control group. Baseline (5.71 ± 4.4, p < 0.05)) and peak (15.4 ± 7.5, p < 0.05) transcutaneous oxygen pressure were also significantly improved compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a combined exercise protocol (aerobic and RT) was effective in improving endothelial-dependent reactivity in people with lcSSc. The next step would be to explore its clinical- and cost- effectiveness. Therefore, we recommend a large, community-based intervention against standard pharmacotherapy only, which would assess these important factors and support a change in therapeutic protocols and guidelines for this clinical population. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT number): NCT03058887, February 23, 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03058887?term=NCT03058887&rank=1.