Hemodynamic response of the circulatory system to static exercise in women of different ages

Abstract

Purpose: One of the factors influencing changes in blood pressure is the age of the examined person. Hence, the aim of this
study is to determine the hemodynamic response during the isometric handgrip test (HGT) in women of different ages.
Methods: The study involved 116 women over 19 and under 80 years of age, divided into 6 age groups, i.e. up to 30
(23.17±2.90) years, 40 (35.89±2.08) years, 50 (45.31±3.17) years, 60 (56.69±3.20) years, 70 (65.24±1.30) years and over
70 (74.07±3.10) years of age. Under these people, somatic and maximum handgrip strength (MVC) measurements were
performed. In resting conditions and in the first, second and third minute of HGT performed with a force of 30% MVC,
systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were measured.
Results: Younger individuals were characterized by lower body mass index (BMI) and higher MVC values than older women.
During HGT, higher values of circulatory system variables were observed compared to resting values from the 2nd minute of
the test and the effect size of these changes (η2) ranged from medium (.09) to big (.45). In terms of intergroup differences,
higher HR and lower SBP were observed in younger women compared to older women, with no significant differences in
DBP.
Conclusions: Age and the involutional changes it determines in women are of significant importance for the development of
hemodynamic reactions both at rest and during HGT. The age limit of 50 years is significant in this respect.