ABSTRACT

　We investigated the effects of continuous vascular （static） stretching on flexibility, vascular endothelial function and arterial stiffness in latter-stage elderly people. Flexibility and vascular endothelial function and arterial stiffness significantly improved after three months of vascular stretching. After six months, further improvements were observed in flexibility, vascular endothelial function and arterial stiffness. However, six months after discontinuing vascular stretching, the flexibility, endothelial function, and arterial stiffness returned to the preintervention levels, thereby indicating that the effects of vascular stretching are reversible. These results suggest that vascular stretching may contribute as an anti-atherosclerotic exercise in latter-stage elderly people, as it improves flexibility, vascular endothelial function, and arterial stiffness.

DECENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.46/The DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE