Cardiovascular Response to Static and Dynamic Muscle Contractions at Equivalent Tension-Time Indices

In the present study, we examined cardiovascular response to static and dynamic hand-grip exercise at equivalent work load (peak tension) and tension-time index (TTI, integrated tension for time) in healthy young (n=8) and elderly (n=8) males. Static and dynamic exercises were conducted for 75 s and 150 s at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and for 45 s and 90 s at 50%MVC, respectively. Arterial pressure was continuously measured on a beat basis. Blood pressure at the end of exercise and the magnitude of pressor response induced by exercise did not differ significantly between static and dynamic exercises at the two work loads. The magnitude of pressor response tended to depend on work load. These findings were the same in both age groups. Consequently, it was indicated that blood pressure responses to static and dynamic hand-grip exercise at equivalent work load and TTI did not differ both in young and elderly people. Furthermore, it was suggested that central command and muscle metabolite induced stimulation of the exercise pressor reflex during static and dynamic exercise were similar based on the results of relative perceived exertion and blood pressure response during post-exercise arterial occlusion.