Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Characterization of Sickling During Controlled Automated Deoxygenation with Oxygen Gradient Ektacytometry
Published on: November 5, 2019
Effects of strenuous exercise on autonomic nervous system activity in sickle cell trait carriers
Mona Hédreville1, Jean-Claude Barthélémy, Julien Tripette
1Université des Antilles et de la Guyane, Laboratoire ACTES (EA 3596), Département de Physiologie, Campus de Fouillole, 97159 Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, France.
Abstract:
This study compared the nocturnal autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity in seven sickle cell trait (SCT) carriers and six subjects with normal hemoglobin in response to exercise Sympathetic and parasympathetic indices of nocturnal ANS were measured in the two groups before and 24 and 48 h after a strenuous exercise consisting of the repetition of three maximal exercise bouts. Global ANS activity decreased 24 h after exercise in both groups and was lower before as well as after exercise in SCT carriers. Indices of parasympathetic activity were lower in SCT carriers at all times, indicating a persistent sympatho-vagal imbalance. Exercise did not cause a rebound in parasympathetic activity in either group, but a rebound was noted for sympathetic index values two days after exercise in SCT group only. The ANS activity was generally lower, and the sympatho-vagal imbalance greater, in SCT carriers compared with control subjects irrespective of exercise and could increase the risk for medical complications in this population.
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, is a...
Multiple Allele Traits
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
Sympathetic Activation
