A new study has solved the mystery about how flexing muscles are able to communicate with nearby blood vessels, increasing blood circulation. Approximately 10 million Americans are afflicted with conditions that involve poor circulation. This new study found that ECM, a network of proteins that surrounds cells in the body, serves an important function in the body for blood circulation. Once thought to be no more than a supportive structure, the new findings suggest that ECM connective tissue is a vital signaling source to control bodily functions.

Another important function that was discovered in this study is the importance of physical force, such as weightlifting, to help thicken bone and arterial walls. The force generated by circulation in physical force activities has proven recent benefits to protect the body’s arteries against atherosclerosis.

A fundamental finding of the study is the importance of physiology on the health of blood vessels in the body and the possibility that this activity to heal difficult wounds. Ingrid H Sarelius PhD, Professor of Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of Rochester Medical Center, stated “Aging and disease bring changes in matrix structure, and we may be able to change them”. This study shows promise to help support wound healing and poor circulation through the increased knowledge about how muscle movements can improve blood vessel health.

Source: University of Rochester Medical Center