Energy resource depletion, ability perception, and cardiovascular response to behavioral challenge

This study examined cardiovascular effects of energy resource depletion. Participants first made a series of easy or difficult grips with their right or left hand. They then made and held a moderately difficult dynamometer grip with their right hand while measures of blood pressure and heart rate were taken. As expected, systolic blood pressure responses during the second task period were greater when the first task was difficult than when it was easy if the first task was performed with the right hand, but not if the first task was performed with the left hand. The data support the view that ability perception and, thus, cardiovascular responsiveness vary with relevant energy stores.