Hemodynamic Response to Isometric Handgrip Exercise in Adults with Intellectual Disability

• Published in: Medicine and science in sports and exercise 2021-03, Vol.53 (3), p.606-612
• Main Authors: SHERMAN, SARA R., SCHROEDER, ELIZABETH C., BAYNARD, TRACY, FERNHALL, BO, HILGENKAMP, THESSA I. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0195-9131; 1530-0315
• DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002494

INTRODUCTIONIndividuals with intellectual disability (ID) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and reduced work capacity, which could partly be explained by alterations to autonomic and hemodynamic regulation. Measurement of heart rate and blood pressure during isometric handgrip (HG) exercise, a sympathoexcitatory stimulus, is a noninvasive method to investigate autonomic and hemodynamic alterations. The purpose of this study was to assess alterations to autonomic and associated hemodynamic regulation between individuals with ID and a matched control group during isometric HG exercise. METHODSIndividuals with ID (n=13; 31±2 yrs, 27.6±7.7 kg/m) and without ID (n=16; 29±7 yrs, 24.2±2.8 kg/m) performed 2-min of isometric HG exercise at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in the seated position. Blood pressure was averaged for 2-min before, during, and after HG exercise (Mean arterial pressure [MAP], systolic [SBP], and diastolic [DBP] pressure). Heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure variability (BPV), and baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) were calculated from the continuous blood pressure and heart rate recordings. RESULTSIsometric HG elicited a blunted response in SBP, DBP, and MAP among individuals with ID compared to individuals without ID, even after controlling for strength [(MAPrest, HG, recovery) ID103±7,108±9, 103±7; without ID102±7, 116±10, 104±10 mmHg] (interaction p0.05). CONCLUSIONSIndividuals with ID have a blunted hemodynamic and autonomic response to isometric HG exercise compared to individuals without ID.