Abstract
Isometric exercise (ISO) evokes profound changes in left ventricular dynamics. Scant data document the effect of ISO in children. The blood pressure (BP) heart rate (HR) and echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) diastolic dimension (LVDd), systolic dimension (LVDs) and LV% shortening (%Δ) were recorded in 10 healthy children (mean age 8.9 yr.) performing 30% handgrip (HG). The group mean observations from control; exercise and recovery periods are tabulated:
During HC, BP and HR increase. The LVDd remains unchanged, consistent with quiet breathing without Valsalva maneuver. The LVDs increases, reflecting the inability of even the young heart to maintain a constant stroke volume. With sudden release of HG, %Δ increases markedly. Because this response occurs during a slowing of the pulse, without increasing the diastolic dimension, it appears dependent upon an inherent ventricular mechanism, ISO is a reproducible, noninvasive method to assess ventricular performance in children.
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Schieken, R., Geller, D. 157 THE CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECT OF ISOMETRIC EXERCISE IN CHILDREN. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 390 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00162
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00162