Hemodynamic responses to isometric handgrip exercise in young adults with varying body mass index

Abstract

Background: The cardiovascular responses to static exercise depend on exercise intensity i.e. percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and muscle mass involved. It has been seen that the cardiovascular responses is directly proportional to the % MVC used during static activity. Objective: To assess and compare the hemodynamic responses to isometric handgrip exercise among young adults of different BMI. Methods/Design-The subjects were asked to perform isometric handgrip exercise with their dominant hand, at maximum voluntary contraction. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (SBP and DBP) responses were recorded immediately just before the release of hand pressure. Following isometric activity, post exercise- HR and BP responses were recorded at 1 min, 3min and 5 min. Similar procedure was repeated with non- dominant and combined hand after giving a rest period of 10 minutes between each activity. Conclusion: Isometric activities impose the cardiovascular stress, by providing an excessive pressure overload on the heart. Therefore, the cardiovascular responses elicited during the isometric activities helps to assess the cardiac function.