Effects of supervised exercise training on lower-limb cutaneous microvascular reactivity in adults with venous ulcers

Purpose

To investigate the effects of a 12-week supervised exercise programme on lower-limb cutaneous microvascular reactivity in adults with venous leg ulceration.

Methods

Thirty-eight adults with unilateral venous ulceration who were being treated with lower-limb compression therapy (58% male; mean age 65 years; median ulcer size 5 cm²) were randomly allocated to exercise or control groups. Exercise participants (n = 18) were invited to attend thrice weekly sessions of lower-limb aerobic and resistance exercise for 12 weeks. Cutaneous microvascular reactivity was assessed in the gaiter region of ulcerated and non-ulcerated legs at baseline and 3 months using laser Doppler fluxmetry coupled with iontophoresis of acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated as laser Doppler flux (AU)/mean arterial pressure (mmHg).

Results

Thirty-seven participants completed follow-up assessments. Median session attendance was 36 (range 2–36). Analyses of covariance revealed greater peak CVC responses to ACh in the exercise group at 3 months in both the ulcerated (adjusted difference = 0.944 AU/mmHg; 95% CI 0.504–1.384) and non-ulcerated (adjusted difference = 0.596 AU/mmHg; 95% CI 0.028–1.164) legs. Peak CVC responses to SNP were also greater in the exercise group at 3 months in the ulcerated leg (adjusted difference = 0.882 AU/mmHg; 95% CI 0.274–1.491), but not the non-ulcerated leg (adjusted difference = 0.392 AU/mmHg; 95% CI − 0.377 to 1.161).

Conclusion

Supervised exercise training improves lower-limb cutaneous microvascular reactivity in adults with venous leg ulceration.