Vascular Health

The semi-automated vascular analysis software has an intra-observer coefficient of variation of 6.7% and better reproducibility than manual methods. Flow-mediated dilation is reported as both absolute millimetre increase and relative percentage increase from baseline diameter. Peripheral vascular function is measured in the right superficial femoral artery at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks to monitor lower-limb endothelial function and arterial structure. Cerebral blood velocities in the right middle cerebral artery and left posterior cerebral artery are recorded continuously during a resting baseline and throughout the maximal exercise test using transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Researchers analysing vascular data are blinded to group allocation and measurement time point. Blood vessel function is the central issue determining whether acoustic wave therapy will be effective. If the vascular system has been significantly damaged, stimulating new blood vessel growth may not produce meaningful improvement unless the underlying metabolic problem is addressed.