Effects of short-term endurance training on aortic distensibility in young males

Background: Short-term endurance exercise training can increase aortic distensibility. The effect of exercise on arterial distensibility, however, may not last long term. Purpose: We evaluated the effects of short-term exercise training and detraining on aortic distensibility in 10 sedentary young males (21.0 ± 0.6 yr, mean ± SE; range 19-24 yr). Methods: The subjects underwent 8 wk of endurance training on a cycle ergometer at 70% of maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O_2max), for 60 min at a time and on alternate days (3-4 d·wk^-1). The detraining period consisted of a return to sedentary days for 8 wk. The aortic pulse wave velocity (APWV) was measured before and immediately after training and during the detraining period. Results: The V̇O_2max was significantly increased after training (pre: 2240.0 ± 71.4 mL, after: 2728.8 ± 82.5 mL, mean ± SE, P < 0.0001) and remained at increased levels during the detraining period (after 4 wk: 2671.2 ± 73.6 mL, P < 0.001; after 8 wk: 2628.0 ± 85.0 mL, P < 0.001). The APWV was significantly decreased after training (pre: 5.80 ± 0.15 m·s^-1, after: 5.50 ± 0.21 m·s^-1, P < 0.01) but returned close to the baseline after detraining for 4 wk (5.66 ± 0.13m·s^-1, P < 0.18). Conclusion: Our data suggest that short-term exercise training can improve aortic distensibility, but the effect cannot be maintained without continuing physical exercise.