Structural and Functional Adaptations of Blood Vessels to Running: A Literature Review

Muhammad Ilyas Adi Nugroho¹, Rimbun Rimbun^2*

Abstract

Running is commonly practiced and linked to cardiovascular advantages, but its effects on vascular structure and function are not well understood. This review gathers existing evidence regarding vascular adaptations related to running, emphasizing endothelial function, arterial stiffness, arterial diameter, and intima-media thickness (IMT). Regular moderate running typically promotes endothelial function, often shown through maintained or improved flow-mediated dilation (FMD), although immediate post-exercise responses differ based on race length, training level, and arterial location. Studies on pulse wave velocity (PWV) show varied results: marathon training over time might lead to greater arterial stiffness, while ultramarathon athletes frequently exhibit PWV levels beneath age-related expectations, indicating adaptations that depend on individual conditions and training load. Structural remodeling, especially the increase of conduit artery diameter in the lower limbs, is consistently observed in longitudinal studies resulting from ongoing hemodynamic stimuli experienced during running. In contrast, IMT results are varied; some studies show some evidence of decreased or stabilized wall thickness, whereas others demonstrate slight increased, probably affected by metabolic or hemodynamic elements like exercise-related hypertension. Together, this information suggests that vascular adaptations to running vary and are influenced by factors such as training volume, individual conditions, and differences in the methodology of studies. Additional longitudinal studies with standardized vascular evaluations are needed to better understand the mechanistic pathways and clinical effects of running and vascular adaptations.

Keywords

running; endothelial function; flow-mediated dilation; pulse wave velocity; arterial stiffness; arterial remodeling; intima-media thickness

Cite This Article

Nugroho, M. I. A., Rimbun, R. (2025). Structural and Functional Adaptations of Blood Vessels to Running: A Literature Review. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 6| Issue 6: Nov – Dec 2025, Pages 1209-1214 URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Volume6-Issue6-Nov-Dec-No.996-1209-1214.pdf

Volume 6 | Issue 6: Nov – Dec 2025