Cardiovascular response to isometric exercise in normal adolescents

The purpose of this study was to document the cardiovascular response to submaximal isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise in 32 normal adolescents. Left ventricular (LV) dimensions and systolic time intervals were recorded using echocardiography; blood pressure was measured by sphygmomanometry both at rest and during IHG exercise at 25% maximum contraction. This level of isometric exercise produced significant (p < 0.001) increases in mean heart rate, systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures. Despite this response LV diastolic and systolic dimensions remained unchanged during exercise; hence, stroke volume remained constant. Cardiac index increased by 22% (p < 0.001) due to the increase in heart rate. Systemic vascular resistance did not change significantly. LV ejection indices, including shortening fraction, mean Vcf and systolic time intervals also remained unchanged, except for an increase in LV ejection time index (p < 0.025). These data indicate that the cardiovascular response to submaximal isometric exercise in normal adolescents is similar to that reported in adults. This study demonstrates that sustained isometric stress testing in adolescents is safe and provides normal hemodynamic values.