Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Skeletal Muscle Neurovascular Coupling, Oxidative Capacity, and Microvascular Function with 'One Stop Shop' Near-infrared Spectroscopy
Published on: February 20, 2018
Developmental Changes in Hemodynamic Responses and Cardiovagal Modulation during Isometric Handgrip Exercise.
Styliani Goulopoulou1, Bo Fernhall, Jill A Kanaley
1Department of Exercise Science, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA.
Adults exhibit a greater pressor response during isometric handgrip exercise (IHG) compared to children. However, children show a more significant reduction in cardiovagal modulation, indicating complex age-related differences in autonomic control during exercise.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Autonomic Nervous System Function
- Pediatric Exercise Science
Background:
- Understanding age-related differences in cardiovascular regulation is crucial for assessing exercise responses.
- Isometric handgrip exercise (IHG) is a common model for studying the pressor reflex and autonomic modulation.
- Previous research suggests varying autonomic control between children and adults during physical activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate disparities in pressor response and cardiovagal modulation during IHG between children and adults.
- To determine if autonomic modulation differences explain the observed pressor response variations.
- To identify factors influencing cardiovascular adjustments to isometric exercise across age groups.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 23 prepubertal children and 23 adults for the study.
- Measured beat-to-beat heart rate (HR) and blood pressure at rest and during IHG.
- Quantified cardiovagal modulation using heart rate variability (HRV) analysis.
Main Results:
- Adults demonstrated significantly greater mean arterial pressure responses to IHG than children (P < .05).
- No significant group differences were found in heart rate responses during IHG (P > .05).
- Children exhibited a more pronounced reduction in cardiovagal modulation during IHG compared to adults (P < .05).
Conclusions:
- Age-related differences in pressor reflex response during IHG are not solely attributable to autonomic modulation.
- The force produced during isometric contraction is a significant factor associated with changes in mean arterial pressure.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay of factors governing cardiovascular control in children versus adults during exercise.
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...
Cardiac Output I:Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output (CO) refers to the total amount of blood ejected by one of the ventricles in liters per minute (L/min). In a resting adult, CO ranges from 5 to 6 L/min, adjusting according to the body's metabolic requirements.
Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output adapts to metabolic demands during stress, physical activity, or illness. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate via the sinoatrial node. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart rate...
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Imbalances in Cardiac Output
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...

