Introduction: The skin is the largest organ of the human body, playing a crucial role in
thermoregulation, protecting the body from external influences, and sensory perception. The
skin can broadly be divided into hairy (non-glabrous) and non-hairy (acral or glabrous)
regions. The primary function of the skin microvasculature includes nutritional
microcirculation, heat dissipation, and adaptation to various metabolic and thermoregulatory
demands of the body. During physical activity, the function of the microvasculature adapts
to increased metabolism. Previous studies on blood flow restriction training have
demonstrated increased blood flow, improved oxygenation, and reactive hyperemia
following the release of occlusion. However, its effects on skin microcirculation remain
underexplored. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aerobic
ischemic exercise on the cardiovascular system, with an emphasis on microvasculature in
healthy young men. Methods: The participants (n = 21) underwent three tests on a cycle
ergometer. In the first session, a submaximal exercise test was conducted to determine
V̇O2maks. In subsequent tests, participants cycled at 40% and 60% of V̇O2max with or without
restricted blood flow to the active skeletal muscles. Physiological responses were also
monitored during the recovery phase. Measurements included arterial blood pressure, skin
blood flow, skin temperature, and transcutaneous partial oxygen pressure (tcpO₂) under
occlusion, on the forearm, and on the fingertip. Results: Statistically significant increases in
skin blood flow and cutaneous vascular conductance were observed in the hairy regions of
the skin during ischemic exercise compared to the control condition (p < 0.05), both during
exercise and recovery. Differences were also found in the perfusion of acral skin, which was
significantly lower during BFR exercise. Additionally, the recovery of blood flow to resting
values in acral skin took longer. Ischemic exercise was associated with higher metabolic
stress and sympathetic activation, reflected in an increased mean arterial pressure, although
the increase was not statistically significant. Reactive hyperemia (p < 0.05) was observed in
the lower limb following the release of occlusion Discussion and conclusion: Aerobic
exercise with restricted blood flow to active skeletal muscles in healthy young participants
represents a safe and effective method for improving skin microcirculation, endothelial
function, and tissue oxygenation. This method has potential applications in the rehabilitation
of patients with peripheral arterial disease and impaired wound healing.
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