MedicineEnvironmental Science

Nicholas Blackmond, J. Murias, Rogerio Nogueira Soares

2026.4.17EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCES REVIEWS

DOI: 10.1249/jes.0000000000000389

Abstract

Although flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is a well-established marker of conduit artery endothelial function, it is not optimally suited to detect endurance exercise training-mediated vascular adaptations in healthy individuals. Herein, we evaluate reactive hyperemia (RH), adding resistance-vessel and microvascular responses, as a physiological feature that more closely reflects the peripheral remodeling and physiological environment associated with cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). SUMMARY: Reactive hyperemia captures training-related vascular adaptations more effectively than conduit artery dilation in healthy endurance-trained individuals.

Citation format

BLACKMOND, Nicholas; MURIAS, J.; SOARES, Rogerio Nogueira. Reactive hyperemia: Revisiting a key vascular feature of cardiorespiratory fitness. EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCES REVIEWS, 2026, 54(3): 134–145.