Comparative analysis of cardiopulmonary responses during dynamic exercise with wrist weights in the elderly versus...

Endurance exercise is usually prescribed with caution for hypertensive patients because of the possible adverse effects of increased blood pressure on cardiorespiratory function. Cardiopulmonary responses were studied in 11 young (37 +/- 4 years) and 10 elderly (65 +/- 4 years) male subjects during treadmill exercise with wrist weights (WW) and with no weights (NW) at constant 60% of their maximal heart rate for 8 min at each exercise condition. The results revealed that both groups had similar responses at rest. During maximal stress test, heart rate, oxygen consumption and minute ventilation were significantly (p less than 0.01) higher in the younger subjects. During 60% WW and NW exercises heart rate, oxygen consumption and minute ventilation were significantly (p less than 0.01) lower in the elderly than in the younger group. Diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures were significantly (p less than 0.01) higher in both groups during WW compared to NW exercise. However, minute ventilation and rate-perceived exertion were significantly (p less than 0.01) higher during NW compared to WW exercise. These measurements indicated a similar pattern of hemodynamics in younger and elderly hypertensive responders, with variable respiratory responses to endurance exercise. In addition, careful observation of blood pressure during exercise with WW is recommended for both groups where an increased afterload is contraindicated. We recommend the usage of controlled WW exercise for hypertensive responders of all age groups as part of their rehabilitative program.