The effects of aerobic endurance exercise on pulse wave velocity and intima media thickness in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials ( RCTs ) or cohort studies that evaluated the effect of aerobic endurance exercise on pulse wave velocity ( PWV ) and intima media thickness ( IMT ) in adults. IMT and PWV were the most commonly used parameters for the assessment of arterial stiffness. The MEDLINE , C ochrane, ISI , and O vid databases were searched between J anuary 2000 and F ebruary 2015. A total of 1654 participants in 26 RCTs and two cohort studies were included in the meta‐analysis. In studies for which PWV was the outcome, aerobic endurance exercise had a significant effect on reducing PWV [−0.67, 95% CI −0.97, −0.38; I 2 = 89%; heterogeneity, P  < 0.0001]. Changes in peripheral arterial PWV were statistically greater than in central arterial PWV . In the RCTs for which IMT was the outcome, changes [−0.04, 95% CI −0.12, 0.04; I 2  = 95%; heterogeneity, P  < 0.00001] in IMT did not reach statistical significance. In the two cohort studies, changes [−8.81, 95% CI −9.25, −8.37; I 2  = 22%; heterogeneity, P =  0.26] in IMT were statistically significant. Subgroup analysis indicated a longer duration aerobic exercise and a greater improvement in VO 2max were associated with larger reductions in PWV . Reductions in IMT were observed in two cohort studies, but not in four RCTs .