Autonomic nervous function determined by changes of periflux blood flow in the aged

The periflux blood flow (PBF) in fingers was determined by a periflux laser Doppler flowmeter (PLDF). The patterns of PBF responses to standing and Valsalva's maneuver were analyzed. The PBF responses in both loading tests were well correlated with the results of the conventional autonomic function test. It was, therefore, considered that our method would be useful for assessment of autonomic function. We practically investigated PBF responses in the two loading tests in three groups: young age group (10-39 years), middle age group (40-69 years) and old age group (70-89 years). The old age group showed significant decreases in both sympathetic and parasympathetic functions. It was indicated that this non-surgical and simple autonomic function test will be useful particularly in the elderly.