Circulatory regulation during supine and sitting intermittent isometric handgrip in a hot environment

We studied the circulatory regulation during intermittent isometric handgrip (IIHG, six seconds contraction + six seconds relaxation) in supine and sitting postures in a hot environment (40 degrees C, RH: 50%). Eight healthy male subjects performed thrice 5-minute period IIHG at three different work loads (10%, 20% and 30% MVC). The IIHG was performed with the right hand in the two postures. Heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), mean arterial blood pressure (MBP), forearm blood flow (FBF), skin blood flow (SBF), foot swelling (FSW) and tympanic temperature (Tty) were measured during IIHG, resting and recovery periods. During IIHG in a hot environment, HR, MBP, FSW and Tty showed higher values in the sitting than in the supine posture. FBF during relaxation showed higher values at high work load than at low work load in the two postures. FBF showed higher values in the sitting than in the supine posture, except during relaxation at 30% MVC. It was concluded that the decrements of blood volume of splanchnic organs might be greater in the sitting than in the supine posture due to sympathetic vasoconstrictor activity, and were responsible for the redistribution of blood flow. Posture had an effect on FBF because of hydrostatic pressure.