Which change to the peripheral blood vessels is associated with regular exercise training?

Regular exercise training is associated with a decrease in vascular resistance, which is a critical adaptation that occurs in response to consistent physical activity. This outcome is primarily due to the improvements in endothelial function, which enhances the ability of blood vessels to dilate. When blood vessels can dilate more effectively, they can accommodate greater blood flow without a significant increase in blood pressure, leading to reduced resistance in the vascular system.

In addition to the physiological changes, exercise promotes the formation of new blood vessels (a process known as angiogenesis), further contributing to a decrease in resistance. With regular aerobic activity, adaptations in the muscular and cardiovascular systems result in improved efficiency of oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, highlighting the beneficial impact of exercise on vascular health.

These adaptations are a fundamental aspect of how regular exercise contributes to overall cardiovascular fitness and health, facilitating efficient circulation and reducing the workload on the heart.