Effects of Acute Vibration Exercise on Endothelial Function and Inflammation in Healthy Males: 1216 Board #24 May 31 8 00 AM - 9 30 AM

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are thought to play a key role in vascular regeneration, endothelial repair, and restoration of endothelial function. While studies have confirmed a relationship between exercise and EPCs, the mechanisms by which exercise mobilizes EPCs into circulation remains unknown. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of vibration training (VT) on the mobilization of angiogenic circulating progenitor cells (CPCs) and hematopoietic progenitors. We hypothesized that VT would increase the acute mobilization of angiogenic CPCs and decrease inflammatory marker levels. METHODS: 11 healthy males [18-30 yr (n=6) and 50-65 yr (n=5)] performed each of the following in random order on separate days: 1) standing on a vibrating platform only; 2) dynamic leg squat exercise (without vibration); and 3) in combination, i.e. leg squat with vibration. Blood samples were taken pre-and post-activity. RESULTS: Angiogenic CPCs increased 33% with vibration alone (p=0.02), 21% with exercise alone (p=0.02), and 34% with exercise plus vibration (p=0.004). VEGF levels were higher with vibration alone (p<0.005); TNFα increased with vibration (p<0.01); interleukin-6 (IL-6) approached a significant drop during vibration (p=0.056); and higher levels of IL-10 were found with vibration alone (p<0.03) and exercise alone (p<0.05). A decrease in IL-10 level was found when exercise and vibration were combined. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest vibration alone may have a pro-angiogenic effect taken together with higher VEGF and TNFα levels; more than with exercise alone or in combination. Furthermore, vibration alone may have greater anti-inflammatory effects, evidenced by a trend toward decreased inflammatory marker (IL-6) and a significant increase in anti-inflammatory marker (IL-10). Curiously, the anti-inflammatory effect was dampened when vibration was combined with exercise in that the drop in IL-6 did not approach significance and IL-10 levels were actually lowered, suggesting there may be a threshold for the optimal dose and/or combination effects. VT may be a viable option to increase stem/progenitor cell circulation levels and decrease inflammation with possible health benefits in multiple health conditions.