Blood Pressure Responses to Different Arm Positions During Vertical Head Down Ankle Suspension
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-1991
Department
Human Performance and Recreation
Abstract
This study compares the effects of different arm positions on blood pressure during vertical head-down ankle suspension. Eighteen healthy volunteers (10 men and 8 women, aged 20-30 years) were placed first in the upright sitting position for 4 min, and second in the head-down suspension position for 4 min. In the latter position, the arms were first alongside the head and then raised alongside the body at the end of the 4th min. Blood pressure was measured non-invasively during the last 30 s of the 4th min of upright sitting and head-down suspension with the arms alongside the head, and then immediately following the movement of the arms alongside the body. In relation to the upright sitting position, head-down suspension with the arms dangling alongside the head resulted in a significant increase in brachial artery blood pressure (121/78 mm Hg vs. 146/91 mm Hg, respectively). This finding may be explained on the basis of a variable hydrostatic component. Following the immediate movement of the arms to alongside the body while still suspended, there was a significant decrease in blood pressure to 124/79 mm Hg. No significant change in blood pressure occurred from upright sitting to full head-down suspension with the arms alongside the body (121/78 mm Hg vs. 124/79 mm Hg, respectively). Based on previous disparate reports of pressure during head-down suspension, the findings of the present study indicate a need to standardize the method of blood pressure measurement during this procedure.
Publication Title
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
Volume
62
Issue
4
First Page
328
Last Page
330
Recommended Citation
Boone, T.
(1991). Blood Pressure Responses to Different Arm Positions During Vertical Head Down Ankle Suspension. Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, 62(4), 328-330.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/6961