Effect of Physical Fitness on Response to Orthostasis in Healthy Young Women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between fitness level and cardiovascular response to orthostatic stress in healthy women between the ages of 20 and 35. Subjects were divided into three groups on the basis of VOxmax: High-Fit (n = 4; mean VO2max = 57.8 ml/kg/min); Med-Fit (n =8; mean VO2max = 46.4 ml/kg/min); and Low-Fit (n = 4; mean VO2max = 34.7 ml/kg/min) . Subjects were exposed to three trials of 70 deg. head up tilt each followed by a ten minute supine rest period. Heart rate and blood pressure were recorded at 1, 3 and 5 minute intervals during head up tilt and at 5 and 10 minute intervals during the supine rest period. The mean heart rate and blood pressure changes from supine to one minute upright were calculated for each group. The change in heart rate per change in systolic blood pressure from supine to 70 deg. upright was used as an index of baroreflex responsiveness. There was a strong inverse correlation between fitness level and heart rate both resting and at 1 minute upright (r=.83;r=.84 p < .001). An analysis of baroreflex indicies between groups showed no fitness related differences in heart rate and blood pressure response to orthostasis.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA196377

Entities

People

  • Carolyn K. Gooch

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Arteries
  • Autonomic Nervous System
  • Blood
  • Blood Volume
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Health Services
  • Heart Rate
  • Medical Personnel
  • Pressure Measurement
  • Veins

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Exercise and Sports Science.