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Int J Sports Med 2003; 24(7): 512-517
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-42016
Physiology & Biochemistry
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Circulatory Responses to Progressive Exercise: Insights from Positional Differences

T.  Rowland1 , A.  Garrison2 , A.  DeIulio2
  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA, USA
  • 2Department of Exercise Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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Publication History

Accepted after revision: March 10, 2003

Publication Date:
10 September 2003 (online)

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Abstract

The influence of body position on cardiac responses to progressive exercise was examined in 13 healthy circumpubertal boys. The subjects (mean age 12.5 ± 1.4 y) performed a progressive cycle test with an identical protocol in the sitting and supine positions. Stroke volume and left ventricular dimensions were assessed with Doppler and two-dimensional echocardiography, respectively. During supine exercise, no changes were seen in stroke volume or left ventricular preload (end-diastolic dimension) with increasing exercise intensity. At rest, mean values for stroke volume and cardiac output were 16.4 % and 27.1 % lower, respectively, with subjects upright compared to supine. With upright exercise these variables rose to become insignificantly different than supine values. Stroke volume while cycling upright rose by 29 % by the second workload but remained stable at higher work intensities. The initial increase in stroke volume observed only when cycling upright presumably reflects mobilization of dependent blood in the lower extremities. The mechanisms governing cardiac responses to exercise when supine and upright are otherwise identical.

Key words

Heart - exercise testing - cardiac output - children

References

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T. Rowland, M.D.

Department of Pediatrics

Baystate Medical Center · Springfield · MA 01199 · USA

Phone: +1 413 794 7350

Fax: +1 413 794 7140

Email: thomas.rowland@bhs.org