Summary
Power spectra of instantaneous heart rate (f c) allows the estimation of the contribution of sympathetic and parasympathetic control of f c during steady-state conditions. The present study was designed to examine autonomic control of f c as influenced by normal dynamic leg exercise and by ischemic leg exercise. Eight subjects performed supine cycle ergometry at 30% of their control peak work rate, with and without blood-flow restriction. Blood-flow restriction was induced by exposing the exercising legs to a supra-atmospheric pressure of 6.7 kPa (leg positive pressure; LPP). The exercise responses of arterial pressure and f c increased (P<0.05) by LPP exposure. The exaggerated pressor response may be attributed to a chemoreflex drive originating in the ischemic muscles. Exposure to LPP during exercise also produced a significant decrease in parasympathetically mediated high frequency (HF; 0.15-1.00 Hz) fluctuation of f c, as indicated by a decrease (P<0.05) in percent HF power compared to the control exercise level. During LPP exercise, the sympathetically mediated very low frequency (VLF; 0–0.05 Hz) fluctuation of f c increased, as indicated by an increase (P<0.05) in percent VLF power above control exercise levels. Both LPP and control exercise conditions decreased (P<0.05) power in all frequency ranges of interest compared to their respective resting conditions. The results suggest that the increase in f c associated with normal dynamic exercise was mediated predominantly by parasympathetic withdrawal, whereas the exaggerated f c response during ischemic exercise resulted from a combination of cardiac sympathetic drive and parasympathetic withdrawal. The increase in sympathetic activity is attributable to a muscle chemoreflex drive, which also may have attenuated parasympathetic activity by reciprocal inhibition. Alternatively, augmented central command mediated parasympathetic withdrawal during ischemic exercise.
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Victor RG, Pryor SL, Secher NH, Mitchell JH (1989) Effects of partial neuromuscular blockade on sympathetic nerve responses to static exercise. Circ Res 65:468–476
Victor RG, Pryor SL, Secher NH, Mitchell JH (1989) Effects of partial neuromuscular blockade on sympathetic nerve responses to static exercise. Circ Res 65:468–476
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Sun, J.C.L., Eiken, O. & Mekjavic, I.B. Autonomic nervous control of heart rate during blood-flow restricted exercise in man. Europ. J. Appl. Physiol. 66, 202–206 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00235094
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00235094