Factors That Influence Blood Vessel Regulation During Exercise in Humans

Factors That Influence Blood Vessel Regulation During Exercise in Humans

This study will examine two separate interventions: 1) the effects of ischemic preconditioning or 2) a high fat meal on the capacity of the brachial artery to overcome sympathetic activation and dilate during exercise (also known as functional sympatholysis). Participants will be asked to complete rhythmic handgrip exercise with and without the application of -20 mmHg lower body negative pressure to increase sympathetic activation. Doppler ultrasound will be used to continuously measure brachial artery blood flow. Participants will complete the handgrip exercise and lower body negative pressure before and after the applications of each interventions. Participants may elect to only complete one intervention rather than complete both protocols. Intervention one is active or control ischemic preconditioning. Intervention two is high or low fat meals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years or older
• Healthy

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of smoking (tobacco or cannabis), defined as any smoking within the past 3 months
• Diagnosed cardiovascular or metabolic disease(s)
• Recent musculoskeletal injury handgrip exercise
• Prescription of chronic medications other than oral contraceptives
• History of hypertension or presence of arrhythmia