Limb Position Influences Peripheral Arterial Stiffness Reduction with Reactive Hyperemia

• Published in: Physiology (Bethesda, Md.) Md.), 2024-05, Vol.39 (S1)
• Main Authors: Jackson, Ronald E., Lima, Natalia S., Sherman, Sara R., Hibner, Brooks A., Clifford, Philip S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1548-9213; 1548-9221
• DOI: 10.1152/physiol.2024.39.S1.1216

Abstract only Reactive hyperemia can acutely reduce peripheral arterial stiffness. The reduction in peripheral arterial stiffness with reactive hyperemia has been suggested to be flow dependent. However, no previous studies have manipulated the magnitude of hyperemia. We manipulated blood flow by altering limb position to test the hypothesis that a larger increase in blood flow would lead to a greater reduction in peripheral arterial stiffness. Fourteen healthy young adults (5 women; age: 25 ± 5 years; mean ± SD) were included in this study. Peripheral arterial stiffness assessed via brachial to radial pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured by placing pulse tonometers simultaneously over the brachial and radial arteries. Doppler ultrasound was used to measure brachial arterial blood flow. Arterial blood pressure was continuously monitored via photoplethysmography on the middle finger of the contralateral hand. Reactive hyperemia was performed with the right arm positioned below (≍50°) and above (≍50°) heart level using a rapid-release cuff positioned on the upper arm, inflated to 220 mmHg, sustained for 5 min, then released. Measurements were recorded before cuff inflation and at 5, 15, and 30 min after cuff release. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant condition effect (p