Does Arterial Health Affect V˙O2peak and Muscle Oxygenation in a Sedentary Cohort?

• Published in: Medicine and science in sports and exercise 2015-02, Vol.47 (2), p.272-279
• Main Authors: LIZAMORE, CATHERINE ANNE, STONER, LEE, LUCAS, SAMUEL JOHN EDWIN, LUCERO, ADAM, HAMLIN, MICHAEL JOHN
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0195-9131; 1530-0315
• DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000414

PURPOSEAn association between arterial health and peak oxygen consumption (V˙O2peak) has been demonstrated; however, little is known about how arterial health influences muscular oxygenation during exercise. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the relations between arterial health, V˙O2peak, and muscle oxygenation in a middle-age sedentary population. METHODSRadial augmentation index (AIx) (via pulse wave analysis) of 21 sedentary middle-age participants (15 females and six males; age, 54.7 ± 5.4; body mass index, 29.0 ± 4.7 kg·m; mean ± SD) was assessed, and on another day ( < 7 d), participants completed a modified Bruce protocol (MBP). Using near-infrared spectroscopy, total oxygenation index (TOI) of the left flexor carpi ulnaris and the left vastus lateralis were monitored throughout the MBP. Independent and average (arm + leg) percentage decrease in TOI between stage 1 of the MBP and maximal exertion (TOIdiff) during MBP was calculated. Changes between dependent variables were correlated using Pearson product–moment correlations and were interpreted as followsr > 0.5, strong; 0.5 > r > 0.3, moderate; and r < 0.3, weak. RESULTSWe observed moderate negative correlation between AIx and V˙O2peak (r = −0.34, −0.63 to −0.03; Pearson correlation, 90% confidence limits) and strong negative correlation between AIx and average TOIdiff (r = −0.58, −0.78 to −0.27). The V˙O2peak and average TOIdiff were strongly correlated (r = 0.55, 0.23–0.77). CONCLUSIONSArterial health seems to be an important determinant of muscle oxygenation during exercise. In turn, muscle oxygenation during exercise is strongly related to V˙O2peak. Developing training modalities to prioritize arterial health outcomes may be a useful way of improving V˙O2peak in this population.