Influence of different exercise types on vascular endothelial function in middle-aged and older adults – A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Study Objectives

Against the current backdrop of population ageing, the correlation between cardiovascular diseases and endothelial dysfunction is increasingly important. Exercise, a simple and accessible method of preventing and ameliorating numerous diseases, has been demonstrated to significantly enhance endothelial function. This study aimed to assess the effects of aerobic exercise (AE), resistance exercise (RE), combined exercise (CE) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on vascular endothelial function in middle-aged and older adults. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is a non-invasive ultrasound technique used to measure endothelial function. Direct and indirect comparisons were used to determine which exercise modality most effectively improved vascular endothelial function in this demographic.

Methods

This comprehensive systematic review and network meta-analysis examined randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of four different exercise interventions (AE, RE, CE and HIIT) to a control intervention on FMD in middle-aged and older adults.

Results

The analysis included 20 RCTs involving 1,123 participants. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) analysis indicated that AE was the most effective in improving FMD (SUCRA = 68.9 %), followed by HIIT (SUCRA = 62.5 %), RE (SUCRA = 58.8 %), CE (SUCRA = 54.9 %) and CON (SUCRA = 4.9 %).

Conclusions

This network meta-analysis of various interventions for FMD in middle-aged and older adults found that AE was the most effective in improving FMD (SUCRA = 68.9 %). These findings suggest that AE could be a valuable intervention in clinical practice for enhancing vascular health in this population.