Exercise training improves cutaneous microvascular endothelial function in post-surgical varicose vein patients

This study investigated the effects of exercise training on cutaneous microvascular function in post-surgical varicose vein patients. Sixteen post-surgical (4–5 weeks) varicose vein patients were randomised to a treadmill-walking exercise group or a non-exercise control group. The exercise group trained twice weekly for 8 weeks. Changes in cutaneous microvascular function of the gaiter area were assessed using laser Doppler flowmetry combined with incremental-dose iontophoretic administration of acetylcholine chloride (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in both supine and standing positions. At 8 weeks, peak flux responses to ACh in the supine position were increased in the exercise group (44 ± 30 to 62 ± 33 PU; P = 0.03) with a similar trend in the standing position (37 ± 27 to 74 ± 31 PU; P = 0.08). There were no such changes in the control group (P > 0.05). Additionally, peak flux responses to SNP were unchanged in both groups and body positions (P > 0.05). The results suggest that moderate-intensity lower-limb exercise training improves microvascular endothelial vasodilator function in post-surgical varicose vein patients.