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Plasma volume changes and cardiovascular responses associated with weight lifting
R G Knowlton1, R K Hetzler, L A Kaminsky
1Department of Physical Education, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale 62901.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|October 1, 1987
Summary
Strenuous squat lifts significantly reduce plasma volume and increase the rate pressure product in weightlifters. This cardiovascular response is more pronounced than in control subjects during exercise.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Sports Science
Background:
- Weightlifting, particularly the squat exercise, imposes significant physiological stress.
- Understanding acute cardiovascular and fluid balance changes during resistance training is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of strenuous free-weight squat exercise on plasma volume, mean arterial pressure, and rate pressure product.
- To compare these changes with a control group and assess correlations.
Main Methods:
- Ten experienced weightlifters performed eight sets of eight repetitions of squat exercise at 55% of one-repetition maximum.
- Plasma volume, hemoglobin, hematocrit, plasma protein, blood lactate, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure were measured.
- A postural control comparison group was included.
Main Results:
- Plasma volume significantly decreased by 17.9% in weightlifters versus 7.7% in controls.
- Rate pressure product increased 2.85-fold compared to resting levels.
- Mean arterial pressure elevation correlated strongly with plasma volume reduction (r = -0.98).
Conclusions:
- Strenuous squat lifting leads to a substantial reduction in plasma volume.
- The rate pressure product significantly increases during this type of resistance exercise.
- Cardiovascular adjustments during squat exercise are linked to changes in plasma volume.