Effects of endurance training comprising cycling and electrical muscle stimulation of the lower limbs on vessel endothelial function

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effects of cycling training with electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) applied to the lower limbs on brachial artery endothelial function. Methods: Forty-six healthy adult men were randomly assigned to moderate-intensity cycling at 50% maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2max ; C group; n = 15), low-intensity cycling (LC; < 50% VO 2max ) with EMS applied to the lower limbs, (equivalent to 50% VO 2max ; LC+EMS group; n = 14), or LC (equivalent to cycling at 50% VO 2max minus the oxygen uptake of EMS; LC group; n = 17). Participants performed 20 minutes of cycling under each condition twice per week for 8 weeks. Results: Before and after the training session, flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) at the brachial artery increased significantly in the C and LC+EMS groups. After training, FMD in the C and LC+EMS groups was significantly higher than that in the LC group. Conclusion: Compared with LC without EMS, LC with EMS applied to the lower limbs can more markedly improve vascular endothelial function.