[Blood pressure profile in effort and recuperation in the sportsman]

105 male sportsmen, children, adolescents, adults and veterans, performed a standardized stress test, seated on an ergometric bicycle. The HR/BP ratio was studied during effort and during 6 minutes of recuperation. The level of effort achieved was excellent in each age group, reflecting the value of regular physical training: 187 W in the 13--15 year olds, 274 W in the 16--18 year olds and 20--30 years olds and an excellent level of 206 W in the 60 year old veterans. The stress blood pressure profile in children and adolescent sportsmen is identical for superior performance to that seen in the young sedentary subject. Starting in the 16--18 year old group, we find a blood pressure profile comparable to that seen in other sportsmen. Adult and veteran sportsmen have a blood pressure profile similar to sedentary adults, for superior performance. The 6 minute recovery period allows us to examine: the change in the HR which remains higher than rest values (= 100) independent of age, and the maximal HR attained, as well as the return to normal of the blood pressure figures, which always returned to their initial value, whatever value was obtained on maximal effort. A pathological blood pressure profile is defined as an abnormal elevation during effort and an absence of normalization during the 6 minute recovery period.