Aerobic exercise causes changes in choroidal thickness in young adults

Abstract

Purpose In this study we evaluate the changes of choroidal thickness after doing physical aerobic exercise in healthy young adults using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT), with Enhanced Depth Imaging (EDI) protocol, and manual segmentation. This is a modified technique which allows us to obtain an improved image of the choroidal layer. Methods Thirty eyes of 15 volunteers between 18 and 31 years old were prospectively and consecutively enrolled, with ±6.50 D maximum ametropia and 3.00 D of astigmatism, with neither systemic nor ocular pathology as inclusion criteria. All the subjects were examined in the same conditions and by the same investigator. Measures from autorefractometer, ocular biometry and SD‐OCT were taken. The SD‐OCT images were taken at basal measurement, after doing 10 minutes of physical exercise and then two more measures after the exercise (3 and 10 minutes after finalization). The choroidal layer was manually segmented, valuing thicknesses and volumes in the different areas from the ETDRS (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study). Results In all the areas the average thickness increased 3 minutes after exercise compared to basal. We found significant differences (p < 0.05) by means of the test of ranks with signs of Wilcoxon in the areas: 3 mm temporal, 3 mm nasal, 6 mm superior, 3 mm superior and in the subfoveal choroidal thickness. After 10 minutes, this value decreased, finding only statistical values (p < 0.05) in the subfoveal choroidal thickness. Volumes measures showed the same pattern. Conclusions In healthy young people 3 minutes after finishing physical exercise the choroidal thickness increases. Ten minutes after the finish, the choroidal thickness decreases.