This study investigated the effects of a low to moderately intense resistance-band exercise intervention on cutaneous microvascular function in an older population. 18 sedentary healthy participants (age 58 +/- 5) were assessed for their upper and lower-limb endothelial cutaneous vascular conductance using laser Doppler fluximetry with endothelial-dependent (80mul acetylcholine chloride), and -independent vasodilation (80mul sodium nitroprusside). In addition, participants underwent a range of functional assessments (cardiopulmonary fitness, strength, flexibility), and completed a perceived quality of life questionnaire. Participants were randomised into 2 groups: exercise (EX) and control (CON), and followed either an 8-week self-supervised home-based resistance-band intervention or maintained their habitual lifestyle. Following post-intervention assessment (n = 16; EX = 7, COn = 9), EX improved acetylcholine-chloride-mediated endothelial-dependent vasodilation within the lower limb (cutaneous vascular conductance at 2,000muCb; p < 0.01), but without associated changes in the upper limb. Exercise, compared to CON, significantly affected sodium-nitroprusside-mediated independent vasodilation in the upper limb (p < 0.01) at 2,000muCb, but without associated changes in the lower limb. Of functional assessments, only lower limb strength and flexibility improved for EX (p < 0.05). EX experienced positive changes within global measures of General Health, Bodily Pain and Energy/Fatigue (p < 0.05). An 8-week home-based resistance-band exercise programme improves age-provoked microcirculatory endothelial vasodilation, but without concomitant changes in cardiopulmonary and anthropometric measures.

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