[Evaluation of the adrenergic and pressor response to the hand-grip test in young athletes]

Numerous factors may influence the sympathetic and pressure response to physical exercise, age, sex, type of activity carried on and training for example. Training, in particular is considered to reduce both adrenergic and pressure response. Plasma catecholamine levels and the haemodynamic response to the hand-grip test have therefore been evaluated in a group of young athletes, compared with a group of non-trained youths. The results confirmed that young athletes have a lower sympathetic and haemodynamic response to the isometric exercise and this is accompanied by improved cardiac performance. The value of the hand-grip test is underlined as a method of investigation able to evaluate the training level attained by the athlete.