Cardiovascular and hemodynamic responses to adapted physical exercises in very old adults.
BACKGROUND
Aging is characterized by a physiological reduction in physical activity, which is inversely correlated with survival.


OBJECTIVE
Aim of the present study is to evaluate the cardiovascular, central hemodynamic and autonomic responses to a single bout of adapted physical exercise in octogenarian subjects.


METHODS
We studied cardiovascular, hemodynamic and autonomic responses to adapted physical activity in 33 subjects by a noninvasive methodology (Nexfin®, Edwards Lifesciences Corporation).


RESULTS
Our octogenarians presented a significant increase in mean arterial pressure (p < 0.01) and heart rate (p < 0.005) in response to exercise, while both are reduced during the early recovery phase. Central hemodynamic showed a significant increase in stroke volume (p < 0.05), cardiac output (p < 0.01) and left ventricle contractility index (p < 0.01), whereas systemic vascular resistance showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001). We found a reduction in baroreflex control of the sinus node during exercise.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data demonstrate that in very old people adapted physical activity is able to activate cardiovascular system and to induce a postexercise hypotension similarly to adults. The baroreflex control of sinus node seems to contribute in the physiological mechanism of these cardiovascular adaptations.


CONCLUSIONS
In very old people, physical activity induces cardiovascular and hemodynamic responses not significantly different from those induced in adult even though some cautions particularly in the early recovery phase after exercise should be exercised.
Advanced Technology in Rehabilitation Medicine, Università "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.|Corso di Scienze Motorie, Università "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
Michele
M
Panzarino
Medicina e Chirurgia d'accettazione e d'urgenza, Ospedale Maria Vittoria, via Cibrario 72, 10144, Turin, Italy.
Angela
A
Gravina
Scuola di Specializzazione di Medicina Interna, Dipartimento di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy.
Veronica
V
Carosi
Divisione di Riabilitazione Cardiologica, San Raffaele, via di San Silvestro 67, Montecompatri, 00040, Rome, Italy.
Patrizio
P
Crobeddu
Dipartimento di Emergenza, Policlinico di Tor Vergata, Università "Tor Vergata", viale Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Italy.
Alessia
A
Tiroli
Corso di Scienze Motorie, Università "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
Roberto
R
Lombardi
Advanced Technology in Rehabilitation Medicine, Università "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.|Corso di Scienze Motorie, Università "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.|Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
Stefano
S
D'Ottavio
Divisione di Riabilitazione Cardiologica, San Raffaele, via di San Silvestro 67, Montecompatri, 00040, Rome, Italy.
Alberto
A
Galante
Dipartimento di Emergenza, Policlinico di Tor Vergata, Università "Tor Vergata", viale Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Italy. legramante@med.uniroma2.it.|Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy. legramante@med.uniroma2.it.
Jacopo M
JM
Legramante
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D017704:Baroreflex / Q000502:physiology; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D002319:Cardiovascular System; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013318:Stroke Volume / Q000502:physiology
Aging; Autonomic nervous system; Baroreceptors; Exercise; Hemodynamic