Abstract

ALDAMA, Alfredo et al. Physical exercise and arterial elasticity in normal subjects over 55. Rev Cubana Invest Bioméd [online]. 2005, vol.24, n.1, pp.21-31. ISSN 0864-0300.

A cross-sectional study was conducted aimed at quantifying the effect that a combination of physical exercises produced over elasticity in sound individuals over 55. 9 healthy subjects that had participated in a plan of aerobic and endurance physical exercises with a mild intensity from Monday to Friday during 45 min each day for 2 years, were studied. Another group composed of 9 sound individuals that had not practiced any exercise during the same period was also studied. Both groups took part in a battery of diagnostic tests that included the reading of systolic, diastolic and median arterial pressure. The pulse pressure, the arterial diastolic and systolic diameters, as well as the thickness of the intima-media complex of the right carotid artery were measured by high resolution ultrasound. With these elements, the distensibility, compliance, rigidity index and elastic modulus were calculated. No statistically significant differences were observed between both study groups, in spite of the fact that the group practicing exercises was as an average 7 years older (p < 0.05) and had a thickness of the intima-media complex greater (p < 0.1) than the control group. It was concluded that the plan of phsycial exercises carried out could have produced a reduction of the deterioration of arterial elasticity depending on age

Keywords : Physical exercise; arterial elasticity; aging, arteriosclerosis.

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