Abstract
Exercise intensity of 50%VO2max for more than thirty minutes per day is recommended for arterial wall distensibility by the Guidelines for Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases (2007). However, there are a lot of patients who cannot exercise at 50%VO2max, and it is a high risk for cardio-pulmonary function. In order to establish a more optimal exercise intensity, which is safe for individuals, we need to investigate the effect of arterial wall distensibility at low intensity, to clarify the range of exercise intensity which improves arterial wall distensibility. Therefore in this review, we focus on and summarize muscle pumping of calf muscles that include the soleus, known as "The Second Heart", which can increase stroke volume and is a factor in improvement of arterial wall distensibility through increased venous return.
