Aim: 

to investigate responses to hand (H-Ex) and foot (F-Ex) exercise regarding blood pressure (BP).

Methods: 

in 15 healthy men (30 ± 5 years) we used non-invasive methods for measuring systolic, diastolic, pulse and mean BP (SBP, DBP, PP and MBP), R-R interval and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). Each measuring lasted 5 minutes and was repeated three-times all in standing position: once without exercise, once using dynamic handgrips (40 handgrips in 2 min.) and once during foot exercise by raising the heels to stand on the tip-toes on a 5 cm. high stair (40 times in 2 min.).

Results: 

during H-Ex: R-R interval decreased from 660 ± 29.8 to 652.5 ± 39.2 ms, p = 0.7 non-significant (NS), SBP, DBP, PP and MBP (in mmHg) increased from 109.9 ± 4.6 to 121.9 ± 10.4, p = 0.004; from 73.1 ± 2.7 to 81 ± 6.3, p = 0.02; from 36.8 to 40.9 (NS); and from 85.4 to 94.6, p = 0.007; respectively, BRS decreased from 5.73 to 4.0 ms/mmHg (NS). Comparing with F-Ex: R-R decreased to 631.9 ± 50.7 ms, (NS); SBP, DBP, PP and MBP (in mmHg) increased to 136.4 ± 14.1, p = 0.000001; to 86.1 ± 6.9, p = 0.0002; to 52.3, p = 0.0007; and to 103.6, p = 0.000008, respectively; BRS decreased to 2.7 ms/mmHg, p = 0.0001. Comparing H-Ex with F-Ex: we found no significant differences in R-R, DBP and BRS but greater SBP, PP and MBP in F-Ex: p = 0.0005, p = 0.008 and p = 0.005 were found respectively.

Conclusion: 

These results indicate that changes in R-R intervals, BRS and blood pressure are higher in F-Ex. We conclude that this exercise could be more helpful for subjects with orthostatic hypotension.