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Int J Sports Med 2009; 30(5): 320-324
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1111109
Physiology & Biochemistry

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Muscle Strength and Pressor Response

J. U. Gonzales 1 , B. C. Thompson 2 , J. R. Thistlethwaite 2 , A. J. Harper 2 , B. W. Scheuermann 2
  • 1Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, United States
  • 2Department of Kinesiology, The University of Toledo, Toledo, United States
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Publication History

accepted after revision October 6, 2008

Publication Date:
06 February 2009 (online)

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if muscle strength influences the hyperemic response to dynamic exercise. Men with low (n=8) and high (n=9) maximal forearm strength performed dynamic handgrip exercise as the same absolute workload increased in a ramp function (0.5 kg·min−1). Forearm blood flow (FBF) was measured instantaneously by ultrasound Doppler and blood pressure was measured by auscultation. The pressor response to exercise was greater (P<0.05) for low strength men at workloads >1.5 kg allowing volumetric FBF (ml·min−1) and vascular conductance to increase in proportion to absolute workload similar to high strength men. When FBF was expressed relative to forearm volume (ml·min−1·100 ml−1) the hyperemic response to exercise (slope of relative FBF vs. workload) was greater in low strength men (3.2±1.5 vs. 1.7±0.4 ml·min−1·100 ml−1·kg−1, P<0.05) as was relative FBF at workloads >1.5 kg. However, when relative FBF was compared across relative work intensity, no difference was found between low and high strength groups. Together, these findings suggest men with low strength require a greater pressor response to match blood flow to exercise intensity as compared to high strength men.

Key words

muscle blood flow - handgrip - vascular conductance

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Correspondence

Dr. J. U. GonzalesPhD 

Department of Kinesiology

Pennsylvania State University

226 Noll Laboratory

University Park

16802 United States

Phone: +814/865/12 35

Fax: +814/865/46 02

Email: jug18@psu.edu

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