Normative data for the 10-min lean test in adults without orthostatic intolerance

Area of Science:

• Autonomic Neuroscience
• Clinical Physiology
• Diagnostic Testing

Background:

• Orthostatic intolerance syndromes, including Orthostatic Hypotension (OH) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), are frequently observed in post-infection and neurological conditions associated with autonomic dysfunction.
• The 10-minute Lean Test (LT) is an objective measure for assessing these conditions, yet lacks established normative data, especially for younger demographics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To generate a normative dataset for the 10-minute Lean Test (LT) using healthy controls.
• To provide a reference for comparing patient populations with orthostatic intolerance.

Main Methods:

• Recruited healthy individuals without a history of orthostatic intolerance or autonomic dysfunction.
• Administered a standardized 10-minute Lean Test, recording blood pressure and heart rate at regular intervals while standing.
• Collected subject-reported symptoms at each time point during the test.

Main Results:

• Data from 112 healthy participants (mean age 35.3 years) were analyzed.
• Average heart rate increase upon standing was 9.89 bpm, with a sustained increase of 6.23 bpm.
• Systolic blood pressure showed an average initial increase of 7.55 mmHg; no participants met criteria for symptomatic OH or PoTS.

Conclusions:

• This study presents the first 10-minute LT normative data from a younger, healthy population.
• These findings will aid in the accurate interpretation of LT results for younger patients experiencing orthostatic intolerance.
• The data will support better management of dysautonomia in various clinical contexts.