The effect of light exercise upon blood flow velocity determined by laser-Doppler flowmetry.
OBJECTIVE
The dominant, 0.1 Hz frequency, Traube-Hering component of blood flow velocity, which is related to baroreflex activity, may be modulated through the established techniques of manipulative medicine. Light exercise programmes, appropriate for use by the elderly and collectively termed gymnastique douce, also are believed to impact the baroreflex in a positive manner. Our objective was to test the relationship between the Traube-Hering oscillation and light exercise.


METHODS
Using laser-Doppler flowmetry to quantify the Traube-Hering and other components of the blood flow velocity oscillation, we compared flowmetry records of 10 subjects before and immediately following a light-exercise programme.


RESULTS
The data show that the light exercise programme amplifies the 0.1 Hz component of the blood flowmetry record.


CONCLUSIONS
The 0.1 Hz component of blood-flow velocity is physiologically linked to baroreflex activity. It is this component that is augmented by a light exercise programme.
Sergueef
N
N
Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA.
Nelson
K E
KE
Glonek
T
T
D000328:Adult; D017704:Baroreflex / Q000502:physiology; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005583:Fourier Analysis; D006801:Humans; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged