Whole body vibration training (WBVT) has been used as a supplement to conventional exercise training such as resistance exercise training to improve skeletal muscle strength, specifically, in rehabilitation field. Recently, this exercise modality has been utilized by cardiovascular studies to examine whether WBVT can be a useful exercise modality to improve cardiovascular health. These studies reported that WBVT has not only beneficial effects on muscular strength but also cardiovascular health in elderly and disease population. However, its mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of WBVT in cardiovascular health has not been well documented. Therefore, this review highlighted the impacts of WBVT on cardiovascular health, and its mechanisms in conjunction with the improved muscular strength and body composition in various populations.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a manifestation of atherosclerosis in the leg arteries, which causes claudication. This may be in part due to vascular mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. A mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant (MitoQ) has been shown to improve vascular mitochondrial function which, in turn, led to improved vascular function in older adults and animal models. However, the roles of vascular mitochondria in vascular function including endothelial function and arterial stiffness in patients with PAD are unknown, therefore, by utilizing acute MitoQ intake, this study examined the roles of vascular mitochondria in endothelial function, arterial stiffness, exercise tolerance, and skeletal muscle function in patients with PAD. 11 patients with PAD received either MitoQ or placebo in a randomized crossover design. At each visit, blood samples, brachial and popliteal artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), peripheral and central pulse-wave velocity (PWV), blood pressure (BP), maximal walking capacity, time to claudication (COT), and oxygen utility capacity were measured pre-and-post MitoQ and placebo. There were significant group by time interactions (p<0.05) for brachial and popliteal FMD which both increased (Δ2.6% and Δ3.3%, respectively), and increases superoxide dismutase (Δ0.03 U/mL), maximal walking time (Δ73.8 s), maximal walking distance (Δ49.3 m) and COT (Δ44.2 s). There were no changes in resting heart rate, BP, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, PWV, or oxygen utility capacity (p>0.05). MitoQ intake may be an effective strategy for targeting the vascular mitochondrial environment, which may be useful for restoring endothelial function, leg pain, and walking time in patients with PAD.

Prolonged sitting, which is known to impair peripheral vascular function often occurs in spaces (e.g. offices) with mild hypercapnic atmospheres. However, the effects of prolonged sitting in hypercapnic conditions on vascular function are unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of prolonged sitting in mild hypercapnic conditions on vascular and autonomic function in humans. Methods: 12 healthy young adults participated in two experimental visits which consisted of sitting for 2.5 hours in a control condition (PSIT) or a mild hypercapnic condition (HCAP, CO2=1,500 ppm). During each visit, heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure (BP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), brachial and popliteal artery flow mediated dilation (FMD), and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) were assessed before and after prolonged sitting. Results: Sitting significantly decreased AIx in both groups (P<0.05). Brachial and popliteal FMD were reduced with sitting (P<0.05), and the reduction in popliteal FMD was amplified by HCAP (P<0.05). Baseline microvascular oxygenation was decreased following sitting in both groups (P<0.05). However, microvascular reoxygenation upon cuff release was slower only in HCAP (P<0.05). HRV, HR, BP, and PWV did not significantly change with sitting in either group (P>0.05). Conclusion: Prolonged sitting attenuated both brachial and popliteal endothelial function and was associated with perturbed microcirculation. Additionally, mild hypercapnic conditions further impaired peripheral endothelial and microvascular function. Together, these findings suggest that prolonged sitting is accompanied by a host of deleterious effects on the vasculature, which are exacerbated by mild hypercapnia.

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Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is classified as a combination of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and postmenopausal women are specifically at an increased risk for MetS, in part due to the hormonal and metabolic changes that occur at the menopause transition. It is crucial to combat the components of MetS with appropriate lifestyle interventions in this population, such as exercise. This study aimed to examine the effects of a resistance band exercise training program in obese postmenopausal women with MetS. A total 35 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to either a control group (CON, n = 17) or a resistance band exercise training group (EX, n = 18). Participants in the EX group trained 3days/week. Levels of blood glucose, insulin, homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), blood lipid profile, anthropometrics, and blood pressure (BP) were measured at baseline and after the exercise intervention. There were significant group by time interactions (p < 0.05) for blood glucose (Δ-4.5 mg/dl), insulin (Δ -1.3 μU/ml), HOMA-IR (Δ -0.6), triglycerides (Δ -9.4 mg/dl), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(Δ -10.8 mg/dl), systolic BP(Δ -3.4 mmHg), body fat percentage (Δ -3.0 %), and waist circumference (Δ -3.4 cm), which significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and lean body mass (Δ 0.7 kg) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Δ 5.1 mg/dl), which significantly increased (p < 0.05) after EX compared to no change in CON. The present study indicates that resistance band exercise training may be an effective therapeutic intervention to combat the components of MetS in this population, potentially reducing the risk for the development of CVD.