Medical Education Commons^™

The Acute Effect Of Heat Therapy On Conduit Artery And Forearm Microvascular Function, Iman O. Aldaas, Zachary Martin, Joshua Vu, Natalia Cardenas, Emily Merlau, Jeremiah Campbell, John Kolade, R Matthew Brothers

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Heat Therapy (HT) is a practice that has been widely adopted across many cultures for centuries due to its multitude of health-related benefits. In terms of cardiovascular related benefits, HT improves various physiological indices including peripheral vascular function thereby mitigating the decline of arterial health. While studies investigating the effect of heat-therapy on mechanisms of vascular function are becoming more common, the vast majority are conducted following chronic exposure to the heat perturbation (i.e., multiple exposures a week for 2 – 3 months) as opposed to the effect of exposure to an acute bout of HT (i.e., single exposure). Furthermore, …

Microvascular Blood Flow Changes In Rgv Hispanics In Response To A Mixed Meal Challenge, Smaran Marupudi, Yu Lun Tai, Gabriel Figueroa, Alexandro Rodriguez, Jaime Rodriguez, Saraswathy Nair, Jimmy Gonzales, Ryan D. Russell

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Type 2 diabetes rates in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) are 3x higher than the national average, with etiologies being multifactorial. Impaired postprandial skeletal muscle microvascular blood flow (MBF) is one of the earliest T2D pathophysiologies noted in Caucasians. However, MBF responses are unknown in the Hispanic population of the RGV. PURPOSE: Our goal in this study was to determine whether normoglycemic Hispanic individuals in the RGV exhibit impaired skeletal muscle MBF responses compared with healthy Caucasian individuals from a previous study. METHODS: 15 Hispanic individuals from the RGV with no family history of T2D (FH-), and 13 …

Postprandial Hemodynamics In Hispanics With And Without A Family History Of Type 2 Diabetes, Gabriel Figueroa, Yu L. Tai, Jaime Rodriguez, Alexandro Rodriguez, Smaran Marupadi, Javier Ybarra, Ryan D. Russell

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Hispanics of the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) have the highest rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the country, conditions often associated with cardiovascular disease and increased mortality. We have previously shown that healthy people with a family history of T2D (FH+) display divergent central and peripheral hemodynamic responses postprandially vs those with no family history (FH-). Why these differences exist is unknown. PURPOSE: To identify physiological factors affecting postprandial hemodynamic responses differently between FH+ and FH- groups. METHODS: Thirty-five healthy Hispanic individuals volunteered in this study, including 17 participants with a family history of T2D …

Cardiorespiratory Coordination Among Intermediate And Novice Female Collegiate Rowers, Zoey Jackson, Michelle Etchebaster, Paula Gutiérrez, Gemma Hernández, Sergi G. Retortillo, Zacharias Papadakis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Elite rowers present high levels of cardiorespiratory performance. Rowers’ on-water performance can be predicted by a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and related measured parameters such as maximum oxygen uptake test (VO2max), ventilation (VE), heart rate (HR), expired fraction of oxygen (FeO2) and carbon dioxide (FeCO2). However, such testing provides little information about the non-linear dynamic interactions during rowing and the qualitative synergetic reconfigurations between cardiovascular and respiratory systems to adjust to the individual rowing performance. Cardiorespiratory coordination (CRC) has been proposed as a method to measure the co-variation among cardiorespiratory variables during a CPET. PURPOSE: To measure and compare …

Cardiorespiratory Fitness Level Alters Blood Pressure Responses Induced By Histamine H1- And H2-Receptor Blockade During Dynamic Exercise, Albert A. Lira Jr., Dustin J. Lirazan, Ronaldo U. Meneses, Sung J. Yun, Jong-Kyung Kim

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Epidemiological studies have reported that greater cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with lower blood pressure (BP). Histamine receptor-mediated peripheral vasodilation contributes to postexercise hypotension and lowing exercising BP responses. Previously, our laboratory found that overactive BP responses to exercise were induced by the inability of histamine receptors in individuals with prehypertension. However, it is still unknown that CRF can impact BP responses elicited by the inability of the receptors. Purpose: This study was to assess whether aerobic fitness is effective in lowering excessive BP responses induced by the blockade of histamine receptors. Methods: In twelve male and female subjects (6 …

Acute Effect Of Dietary Supplementation With Grape Seed Extract Attenuates Blood Pressure Increase During Cold Pressor Test In Prehypertensive Men, Sarah Greenawalt, Albert A. Lira Jr., Kylie J. Morrison, Ronaldo U. Meneses, Christen J. Lutz, Savannah C. Ulhir, Jong-Kyung Kim

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

It is well documented that prehypertension or hypertension is associated with sympathetic overdrive and loss of parasympathetically mediated cardiac variability. Previous studies demonstrated that increased NO bioavailability reduced central sympathetic output. Despite the fact that grape seed extract (GSE) treatment increases the production of NO and improves endothelial function in prehypertensive males, no studies have assessed the effects of GSE on autonomic balance and autonomic function. PURPOSE: the aim of the study was to investigate the acute effect of dietary GSE supplementation on heart rate variability (HRV) and cold pressor test (CPT). METHODS: Six males were recruited in this study. …

Maintained Elevated Systolic Blood Pressures In African Americans And Hispanic Individuals Following Maximum Oxygen Consumption Test When Compared To Caucasians: A Pilot Study, Zaria S. Opara, Heysel Morales, Michael Diaz, Allan Knox

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: There is robust evidence presenting higher incidences of hypertension experienced by the African American (AA) population when compared with matched cohorts. Exercise has been shown to reduce the prevalence of hypertension, however, the cardiovascular recovery of exercise is associated with mortality. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the cardiovascular recovery between AAs, Hispanics (HSPs), and Caucasians (CAs). METHODS: VO_2max was measured by indirect calorimetry. Body composition was measured by air displacement plethysmography (BODPOD). Brachial blood pressures were captured by automated cuff before exercise, immediately after exercise, and every 2 minutes following exercise for a total …

Two Weeks Of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Improved Cutaneous Microvascular Responses To Post-Occlusive Reactive Hyperemia, Martin Navarro

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Repeated remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC), induced by intermittent periods of ischemia and reperfusion in a limb body, improves non-nitric oxide (NO)-mediated endothelial-dependent cutaneous vasodilation. Post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) occurs following the release of a brief arterial occlusion and is principally mediated by non-NO mediated vasodilatory factors such as prostaglandins, sensory nerve axon reflex, and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHFs). However, the role of repeated bouts of RIPC on the PORH response is unknown. The purpose of this study was to test whether two weeks of RIPC improves PORH elicited cutaneous microvascular hyperemia responses. METHODS:The study was conducted with twenty-one participants …

No Sex Differences In Common Carotid Artery Stiffness Response Following Maximal Oxygen Consumption Test, Heysel Y. Morales, Michael Diaz, Zaria Opara, Allan Knox

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Previous investigations have reported sex differences in the time course of age-related arterial stiffness, with postmenopausal women presenting increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Using sex as a biological variable has identified differences between males and females in physiological responses to equivalent doses of exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine if sex differences exist in arterial stiffness response to a maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) exercise test. METHODS: VO2max was measured by indirect calorimetry. Body composition was measured by air displacement plethysmography (BODPOD). Indices of common carotid artery (CCA) stiffness (Peterson’s elastic modulus [Ep], Beta stiffness [B1], …

Rapid Onset Vasodilation With Lower Body Positive And Negative Pressure, Olivia Leach, Gary Mack, Jayson Gifford

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Investigate the impact of muscle sympathetic activity changes on the hyperemic response to single muscle contraction (i.e., rapid-onset vasodilation, ROV). METHODS: Muscle sympathetic activity was altered in 14 healthy young subjects (8 male, 6 female) through randomized application of lower body negative pressure (-10, -20, and -40 mmHg) and lower body positive pressure (+10, +20 mmHg). A 1-s hand grip contraction at 50% MVC was performed at each pressure and control (0 mmHg). Blood flow and vascular conductance were quantified with muscle blood flow being measured in the brachial artery using Doppler ultrasound and blood …

Validation Of The Garmin Fenix 6s Maximal Oxygen Consumption (Vo2max) Estimate, Macy M. Helm, Bryson Carrier, Dustin W. Davis, Kyle Cruz, Brenna Barrios, James W. Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Commercially available fitness watches provide recreational athletes insight into aerobic fitness. The Garmin fēnix. 6S (GF) is a recently released multisport watch that provides estimations related to aerobic and endurance performance, including maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). VO2max is an important physiological metric to determine aerobic capacity, structure training, and anticipate race performance. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the validity and accuracy of the GF’s prediction of VO2max in the general population compared to lab-based measurements. METHODS: 20 healthy participants (9 male, 11 female, 24 土 5.4 years, 30.45 土 21.79 km run/wk) participated in two …

Are Age-Related Differences In Critical Power And Work-Prime Simply Due To Differences In Muscle Mass, Abigail Dorff

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Critical Power (CP) represents the threshold between sustainable, steady-state and unsustainable, non-steady-state exercise while Work Prime (W’) represents tolerable work above CP. The combination of CP and W’ potently influence exercise tolerance. We recently observed age-related reductions in both CP and W’ in active adults. Age-related decreases in muscle mass, which was not measured, could account for the reduction in CP and W’. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine if CP and W’ are decreased in active, older adults when normalizing for muscle mass. METHODS: Single leg knee extension exercise was used to determine CP …

Maximum Aerobic Exercise Induces Common Carotid Vasoconstriction And Increased Vascular Resistance, Michael Diaz, Zaria Opara, Heysel Morales, Allan Knox

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Low-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise has been reported to elicit changes in systemic hemodynamics. Recent evidence suggests that the cerebral circulation reacts independently to systemic circulations to the same physiological stimuli. The aim of this is to determine the influence of high-intensity aerobic exercise on common carotid artery (CCA) hemodynamics. METHODS: Hemodynamic measurements were recorded before and following the cessation of a maximum oxygen uptake test (VO_2max). One minute video of the CCA by Doppler ultrasound were recorded and used to determine peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), time averaged mean blood velocity (TAMEAN), timed …

Assessing The Validity Of Several Heart Rate Monitors In Wearable Technology While Mountain Biking, Bryson Carrier, R. W. Salatto, Dustin W. Davis, Jacquelyn V.L. Sertic, Brenna Barrios, Peyton Cater, James W. Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The development of fitness trackers and other wearable technology designed for health and fitness purposes is growing in popularity and sophistication every day. These devices have the ability to measure or estimate a variety of physiological and physical variables, such as step count, energy expenditure, VO2max, lactate threshold, heart rate, stride length, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, blood oxygen saturation (via pulse oximetry), and many others. PURPOSE: In order to properly use these devices, independent validation needs to take place to determine the device’s accuracy and ability to properly measure or estimate each variable. Therefore, the purpose of this …

Autonomic And Cardiovascular Responses To Acute Exercise In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Allison T. Bui, Gustavo Aldama, Kauionalani P. Kekuawela, Jacob A. Manriquez, Areum K. Jensen

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological disorder identified in early childhood and is characterized by impaired social interaction and atypical behaviors. Limited studies reported that children with ASD tend to have higher heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) at rest compared to typically developing children (TDC). Previously, we reported that HR and blood flow (BF) did not alter during exercise while BP significantly increased in ASD. Thus, we thought that ASD may have impaired autonomic control of cardiac output via differential contribution of HR and stroke volume (SV) to regulate BP during acute exercise. PURPOSE: To …

Genetic Drivers Of Cardiac Remodeling In Health And Disease In Female Mice, Alexander R. Strumwasser

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

SWACSM Abstract

Genetic drivers of cardiac remodeling in health and disease in female mice

Alexander R. Strumwasser¹, Timothy M. Moore¹, Zhenqi Zhou¹, Lorraine P. Turcotte², Aldons J. Lusis¹, Andrea L. Hevener¹

1Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles 2Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California

Hevener Laboratory; Department of Medicine; University of California Los Angeles Laboratory

Category: Masters

Advisor / Mentor: Hevener, Andrea L. [email protected]

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Sex differences in cardiac metabolism and cardiometabolic disease susceptibility are well documented. However, the mechanisms underlying sexual dimorphism and …

Hemodynamics After Glucose Loading In Hispanics With And Without Family History Of Type 2 Diabetes, Gabriel Figueroa, Ryan D. Russell, Yu Lun Tai

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) increases cardiovascular mortality 4-fold. Although ~9% of Americans are diagnosed with T2D, T2D incidence is substantially higher in Hispanics and those with a have family history of T2D. Traditionally, T2D is diagnosed via oral glucose testing which has been shown to impair microvascular function. However, the effects of glucose loading on hemodynamics and arterial elasticity between healthy Hispanics with and without a family history of T2D are unclear. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of an oral glucose challenge (OGC) and a mixed meal challenge (MMC) on hemodynamics in healthy Hispanic individuals with and without family …

Vascular Deficits In Native American Women With Metabolic Syndrome During Dynamic Exercise, Jerene Yazzie, Giselle Quiver, Abraham Gomez, Sydnee Yazzie, Ariel Gomez, Klaudia Szych, Matthew A. Barlow Phd

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Native Americans of the Southwest are predisposed to vascular diseases due to health disparate lifestyles influenced by diet, lack of exercise and decreased access to health care. These factors together may be responsible for the co-morbidities developed with Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome (MetSyn) which are indicators of early onset cardiovascular disease. In a previous study, we evaluated Native Americans (NA) diagnosed with MetSyn or Type II Diabetes and compared the sedentary control NA and Caucasians (CA) during vascular measurements of FMD. We found that NA Control and MetSyn groups exhibited a decrease in vascular function during rate to peak and …

Detection Of P2x3 In Drg Using An Automated Approach To Immunoblotting, Jess, Junghoon Lee, Audrey J. Stone, Michelle L. Harrison

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Exaggerated cardiovascular (CV) responses to exercise can lead to adverse CV events. Previous studies have reported that P2X₃ receptors, found on the peripheral endings of afferents, contribute to an exaggerated exercise pressor reflex in individuals with CV-related diseases. One way to investigate the role played by these receptors in CV pathophysiology is through immunoblotting. The Jess (Protein Simple) provides an automated option for the protein separation and immunoblotting of the traditional Western Blot and allows for total protein staining, an improvement over the use of loading controls to normalize for sample loading variability. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study …

Comparison Of Portable Metabolic Devices During Walking, Jogging, And Running, Alex Toulouse, Patrick Davis, Gary Oden, Dustin P. Joubert

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Oxygen uptake measurements enable performance professionals, clinicians, and scientists to quantify energy expenditure and aerobic work capacity for various purposes. Devices that accurately detect the composition of expired gases and changes in oxygen uptake, open new possibilities in research methodology and accessibility. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the O₂ uptake measurements of the VO₂ Master Pro (VM) to the Cosmed K5 (K5) during walking, jogging, and running in field and lab conditions. METHODS: Twelve proficient runners, with a current 10k pace < 5:19 min/km, performed 3 matched intervals at 3 different speeds (4.82, 8.05, 11.27 kph) on a treadmill and on an outdoor track while expired gasses were measured. Each interval was 10 minutes and data from minutes 6-9 were averaged for comparisons. An airflow test was performed on both devices by forcing air through the devices using a 3 L syringe timed to a metronome at 15, 25, and 35 strokes/min. RESULTS: During walking intervals, the VM did not report data for the majority …

Meditation Education For Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients, Kendall Barton, Vanessa Mikan Phd

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Cardiovascular disease has become the leading public health concern facing our nation. The American Heart Association estimates someone dies every 38 seconds from heart disease. Individuals who experience a severe cardiac incident are often required to undergo rehabilitation as part of their treatment program to improve overall cardiac function. Cardiac rehabilitation provides patients with guided, prescribed exercise programs that encourage the development of healthful behaviors to improve quality of life. Stress has been highly implicated as a contributing factor of cardiovascular disease. Chronic stress causes cardiovascular reactivity, elevations in stress-related hormones and depressed immune function increasing risk of additional cardiac …

Metabolic Costs Of Stair-Stepping Methods, Chelsea Banawis, Edward Merritt

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Walking up stairs is physically demanding, causing high levels of perceived exertion and increased oxygen consumption compared to level walking. While stair-climbing exercise can be used to improve one’s cardiorespiratory fitness, individuals often choose the elevator for convenience and to minimize perceived exertion. Determining if a single step or double step method of stair-climbing requires different levels of oxygen consumption, and thereby exertion, could provide useful information potentially encouraging people to use the stairs. PURPOSE: This study was performed to determine whether stair-climbing using the single step method or double step method on a staircase creates greater oxygen consumption. The …

An Assessment Of The Potential For Standardizing Various Measures Of Arterial Stiffness, Taha A. Alhalimi, Jisok Lim, Hirofumi Tanaka

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Arterial stiffness is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Different measures of arterial stiffness have been used to assess the impacts of exercise training interventions. One of the primary problems faced by investigators conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses is the lack of standardized methodology to evaluate and compare efficacies of the existing and newly conducted exercise interventions on arterial stiffness. The reference standard measure of arterial stiffness is pulse wave velocity (PWV) while other commonly-used methodologies are ultrasound-derived arterial compliance and distensibility. PURPOSE: To describe standardized equations to convert common ultrasound-based measures of arterial stiffness (arterial compliance, distensibility, ß-stiffness …

Comparing Assessments Of Vascular Function Via Flow-Mediated Dilation And Rhythmic Handgrip Exercise, Brandi Y. Stephens, Thales C. Barbosa, Jasdeep Kaur, Paul J. Fadel

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Young, otherwise healthy Non-Hispanic Black individuals have been shown to exhibit blunted vascular responsiveness compared to their Non-Hispanic White counterparts, which may be a potential mechanism leading to higher cardiovascular disease risk in this group. Racial differences in vascular function have largely been assessed using flow-mediated dilation (FMD). However, more recent studies have proposed the use of rhythmic handgrip (HG) as an alternative measure of vascular function. PURPOSE: To compare whether rhythmic HG exercise could be an alternative technique to FMD in assessing differences in vascular function between black and white individuals. METHODS: Brachial artery vasodilation was assessed in …

Exploring The Potential Role Of Family History Of Hypertension On Racial Differences In Sympathetic Vascular Transduction, Jane N. Cloud, Ben E. Young, Jody L. Greaney, Paul J. Fadel

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The prevalence of hypertension in Non-Hispanic Black (BL) men surpasses all other racial groups. Our laboratory has previously demonstrated exaggerated vasoconstrictor and blood pressure (BP) responses to spontaneous bursts of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA; sympathetic vascular transduction) in young, healthy BL men compared to their Non-Hispanic White (WH) counterparts. Because a family history of hypertension (FHH) further compounds cardiovascular risk, we wanted to begin to explore the potential impact of a positive (+) FHH on sympathetic vascular transduction. Whether a +FHH influences sympathetic vascular transduction in WH and/or BL men remains unknown. PURPOSE: To begin to explore if +FHH …

Acute Effect Of Hyperglycemia On The Mechanoreflex And Metaboreflex, Yu Huo, Ann-Katrin Grotle, Michelle L. Harrison, Audrey J. Stone

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Recent studies in both humans and rodents have shown that the mechanoreflex and metaboreflex are exaggerated in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Hyperglycemia is a main characteristic of T2DM and is known to cause damage to both cardiovascular and nervous system structures. However, the acute effect of the presence of hyperglycemia on the mechanoreflex and metaboreflex are not known. PURPOSE: To determine the acute effect of hyperglycemia on the mechanoreflex and metaboreflex. METHODS: Experiments were conducted after an overnight fast in unanesthetized, decerebrated healthy male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. The mechanoreflex was evoked by stretching the Achilles tendon …

The Effects Of Slow Deep Breathing On Measures Of Microvascular And Autonomic Function In An Irritable Bowel Syndrome Population, Mary Katherine Jurek, Hannah N. Seavey, Meredith E. Guidry, Emily L. Slomka, Stacy D. Hunter

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder linked to disruptions in autonomic nervous system regulation, which could impair vascular homeostasis. Studies have shown that slow, deep breathing reduces muscle sympathetic nerve activity and arterial stiffness; however, its effects on autonomic regulation in adults with IBS have not been previously investigated. Moreover, the effects of breathing on microvascular endothelium function are unknown. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of slow, deep breathing on measures of autonomic function and microvascular endothelial function in adults with IBS. METHODS: Adults (ages 18-65 years) with a formal diagnosis of IBS were enrolled and …

A Practical And Easier Measure Of Endothelial Function Applicable To The Routine Clinical Setting?, Melanie Heath, Drew Gourley, Morteza Naghavi, Stanley Kleis, Hirofumi Tanaka

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The VENDYS-II is an alternative, fully automated and noninvasive methodology to evaluate endothelial function using temperature change on finger as a surrogate measure of the magnitude of vascular reactivity index (VRI). Due to the simplicity, it could provide a more feasible technique to assess vascular endothelial function in the clinical setting and possibly for home-based measurements similar to blood pressure. A most recent modification to the technique includes the application of cuff occlusion at the base of a finger instead of the upper or lower arm. Purpose: To assess the validity of the VENDYS-II device compared with the standard …

Exaggerated Pulsatility During Exercise Is Associated With Reduced Muscle Strength And Quality In Elderly Hypertensives, Stephen M. Fischer, Arun Maharaj, Arturo Figueroa

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

It is well-established that hypertensive individuals have an exaggerated systolic blood pressure in response to exercise. Leg muscle weakness is related to greater left ventricular (LV) mass in hypertensive individuals via exaggerated increases in blood pressure during aerobic exercise. Pulse pressure (PP) is an indicator of LV pulsatile hemodynamic load. Increased PP is associated with LV hypertrophy and dysfunction in older adults. PURPOSE: To determine differences in PP responses to resistance exercise in normotensive versus hypertensive older adults and the influence of lean mass and strength on these responses. METHODS: Nine normotensive (NTN) and 11 hypertensive (HTN) older adults (NTN …

Cerebrovascular Dysfunction Is Related To Depressive Symptom Severity In Young Adults, Rauchelle E. Richey, John Akins, Jeremiah C. Campbell, Erika F.H. Saunders, R Matthew Brothers, Jody L. Greaney

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Cerebral vasodilatory responsiveness is blunted in older adults (~70 yrs) with depressive disorders and is thought to contribute to the link between depressive symptomology and increased risk for neurocognitive (e.g., dementia) and cerebral vascular (e.g., stroke) diseases. In young adults with major depressive disorder (MDD), peripheral vascular endothelial dysfunction is present and graded in relation to the severity of depressive symptoms; however, to date, limited investigations have examined cerebral vasodilatory function in young otherwise healthy adults with MDD. PURPOSE: We tested the hypothesis that cerebral vasodilatory responsiveness to a hypercapnic stimulus would be blunted in young otherwise healthy adults …