[Evaluation of orthostatic regulation by saddle support test using thoracic impedance]

We investigated 21 healthy volunteers (10 males and 11 females, mean age 23 +/- 4 years). All the subjects have undergone two 20 min head-up tilt tests using tilt table "TRI W.G. inc." (USA): the first with footplate support and the second with bicycle saddle. Thoracic electrical impedance was measured using impedance cardiography according to Kubicek et al. The protocols included an initial period of 20 min of supine rest while baseline thoracic impedance, blood pressure and heart rate were recorded and then followed by a tilt to 65 degrees. Changes of impedance were measured at min 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20 after the procedure. Women had higher values of thoracic impedance both at rest and during the tilt test than men. The value of impedance of the chest negatively correlated with the body mass index. We suppose that an increase of impedance more than 15% may be related with pathological venous pooling. Thoracic impedance may be used to monitor changes of thoracic fluid volumes with posture and possibly to assess orthostatic regulation. The contribution of leg muscles in orthostatic regulation does not reflect values of thoracic impedance.