Effects of Acute Electric Stimulation on Flow-mediated Vasomotor Function

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of acute electric stimulation on flow-mediated vasomotor function. [Subjects and Methods] Eight young healthy men participated in this study. Electrical stimulation was applied to the right forearm for 30 minutes. Before and after electrical stimulation, flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and low flow-mediated constriction (L-FMC) were measured at the right brachial artery. [Results] FMD and L-FMC tended to increase after electrical stimulation, but no significant differences were observed between pre- and post-stimulation. In contrast, FMD+L-FMC significantly increased after electrical stimulation compared to before stimulation. [Conclusion] These results suggest that acute electric stimulation affects flow-mediated vasoconstrictor and dilator functions. Further studies are needed to elucidate the effect of electrical parameter settings on the vascular function.