FIGURE 3.

Summary of intervention strategies that have been shown to be effective at preventing detrimental effects on vascular health during periods of physical inactivity. Standing, intermittent leg fidgeting, walking, running, cycling, resistance exercises, limb heating and vitamin C supplementation were shown to be effective at improving FMD and/or shear stress/rate in the context of prolonged sitting. Resistive vibration exercises, limb heating and general physical activity were shown to be effective at preventing declines in FMD and/or arterial diameter during inactivity protocols such as bed rest, step-reduction, and leg immobilization. FMD: Flow-mediated dilation.