Modification of forearm vascular function following short-term handgrip exercise training

This study examined the effect of low (25% of maximum voluntary contraction ) and high (75% of maximum voluntary contraction) intensity short-term hand grip exercise training on localized vascular function. Forearm blood flow w as evaluated in twenty-eight healthy men (age: 23 +/- 4.3) pre- and post-tr aining in both forearms at rest, following forearm occlusion and following forearm occlusion combined with handgrip exercise using strain gauge plethy smography. The 4-week program consisted of non-dominant handgrip exercise p erformed 5 d/wk for 20 min at either low or high intensity. Following train ing a significant increase in forearm blood flow was noted for the nondomin ant arm in both groups after forearm occlusion (low intensity group: 16.51 %; high intensity group: 20.72 %; p = 0.001) and forearm occlusion combined with handgrip exercise (low intensity group: 17.71 %; high intensity group : 29.27 %; p = 0.001). No significant group by test interaction (p = 0.632) was found. These data show improved unilateral vasodilatory responsiveness after short-term handgrip training. In addition, the degree of change is m ost notable following the greatest vasodilatory stimulus. Lastly, a lack of group by treatment interaction suggests the change may be independent of t raining stimulus.