Aerobic exercise training does not alter vascular structure and function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been associated with endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffening, which are predictive of future cardiovascular events. While aerobic exercise improves vascular function in healthy individuals and those with chronic disease, it is unknown if aerobic exercise can positively modify the vasculature in COPD. We examined the effects of 8-weeks of periodised aerobic training on vascular structure and function and inflammation in 24 patients with COPD (age = 69 ± 7 yrs, FEV1%pred = 68 ± 19%) and 20 matched controls (age = 64 ± 5 yrs, FEV1%pred = 113 ± 16%) for comparison. Endothelial function was measured using brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), while central and peripheral pulse wave velocity (PWV), carotid artery intima medial thickness, carotid compliance, distensibility and β-stiffness index were measured using applanation tonometry and ultrasound. Peak aerobic power (VO2peak) was measured using an incremental cycling test. Upper and lower body cycling training was performed 3x/week for 8-weeks, and designed to optimize vascular adaptation by increasing and sustaining vascular shear stress. FMD was not increased in COPD (+0.15 ± 2.27%, P = 0.82) or controls (+0.34 ± 3.20%, P = 0.64) and was not different between groups (P = 0.68). No significant improvements in central PWV (COPD = +0.30 ± 1.79 m s−1 vs. controls = −0.34 ± 1.47 m s−1) or other markers of vascular structure or function were found within or between groups. VO2peak significantly increased in COPD and controls, and was significantly greater in controls (1.6 ± 1.4 vs. 4.1 ± 3.7 ml kg min−1, P = 0.003), while blood pressure and dyspnoea were reduced in COPD (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that 8-weeks of aerobic training improved cardiorespiratory fitness and blood pressure in COPD but had little effect on other established markers of cardiovascular disease risk. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved