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Arterial blood pressure response to rowing
P S Clifford1, B Hanel, N H Secher
1Department of Anesthesia, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Rowing exercise causes significant blood pressure fluctuations, similar to Valsalva maneuvers, due to a specific technique at the start of each stroke. These pressure changes may contribute to heart muscle growth in rowers.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Rowing is an intense exercise demanding significant cardiovascular adaptation.
- Understanding the specific hemodynamic responses during rowing is crucial for athletes and clinicians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the intra-arterial blood pressure dynamics during maximal rowing exercise.
- To identify the mechanisms driving blood pressure fluctuations in oarsmen.
- To explore the potential link between these fluctuations and cardiac adaptations in rowers.
Main Methods:
- Ten male oarsmen underwent a 6-minute maximal exercise test on a rowing ergometer.
- Intra-arterial blood pressure was continuously monitored via radial artery catheterization.
- Central venous pressure (CVP) was measured in a subset of subjects.
- Blood pressure responses were compared to resting values and Valsalva maneuvers.
Main Results:
- Mean arterial pressure showed a modest increase, but large, rhythmic blood pressure fluctuations were observed, coupled to stroke rate.
- Effective pulse pressure during rowing was significantly higher (2-3 times) than at rest.
- Similar pressure fluctuations were noted in central venous pressure and during Valsalva maneuvers.
- These findings suggest a Valsalva-like maneuver contributes to the observed arterial pressure response.
Conclusions:
- The blood pressure response during rowing is significantly influenced by a Valsalva-like maneuver executed at the catch of each stroke.
- The substantial arterial pressure fluctuations observed may be a key factor in the development of myocardial hypertrophy in rowers.