Shear stress on lower limbs arteries during arm-cranking exercise in patients with peripheral artery disease

• Grant number: 23/11033-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: May 01, 2024
• End date: December 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Raphael Mendes Ritti Dias
• Grantee: Max Duarte de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE). Campus Vergueiro. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is characterized by alterations in the arteries that supply blood to the peripheral regions of the body, with intermittent claudication being the main symptom, limiting functional activities and daily physical exercise. Arm ergometer exercise has emerged as an alternative for performing aerobic exercise with less pain in patients with PAD. Studies so far indicate that this type of exercise promotes positive effects on functional capacity and cardiovascular function. Shear stress, which is the frictional force exerted by blood flow on arterial walls, plays a crucial role in vascular function and the progression of atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate shear stress and blood flow parameters in the arteries of the lower limbs during arm ergometer exercise in patients with peripheral arterial disease. METHODS: This is a crossover study. Ten patients with PAD and intermittent claudication symptoms will be recruited. The patients will undergo 3 experimental sessions in random order (arm ergometer, warm water leg immersion, and control). In the arm ergometer session, patients will perform 15 sets of two-minute duration with an intensity of 13-15 on the Borg scale. In the warm water leg immersion session, patients will perform 15 sets of two-minute immersion interspersed with two minutes without immersion. In the control session, patients will remain seated for 60 minutes. During the interventions, blood pressure and heart rate will be evaluated every 6 minutes. Arterial diameter, blood flow, antegrade and retrograde shear stress measurements will be obtained throughout the session in the femoral artery using a two-dimensional ultrasound device with spectral Doppler.