Pressor response to isometric handgrip combined with foot immersion in cold water.

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to (1) compare the pressor response between isometric exercise and a cold pressor test (CPT) and (2) examine the pressor response to isometric exercise at 33% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) combined with a CPT applied either at the onset or during the last minute of a 2-min CPT. Ten normotensive male volunteers performed isometric handgrip (HG) at 33% MVC, cold foot immersion, HG combined with a simultaneous CPT, and HG performed during the last minute of a 2-min CPT in a random order over three days. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded at rest and continuously throughout the tests. The results of this study indicate that (1) the pattern of HR response between the 2-min HG and the CPT was different; (2) DBP values during CPT for the initial 30s and the last 15s were significantly lower than DBP corresponding values during HG, while there were no significant differences between the CPT and HG with respect to SBP response; (3) when HG and CPT were performed simultaneously, the effects on SBP and HR were additive, whereas the effects on DBP and MAP were not; (4) CPT performed for 1 minute prior to HG attenuated the SBP and HR responses to HG at 33% MVC, and (5) although both HR and BP increased in response to HG at 33% MVC, only BP increased progressively in a linear fashion when combined with CPT. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)