Files
Abstract
This study examined the effect of gender and physical capacity on cardiovascular control in older adults. A 60 tilt at the waist lasting two minutes, and a six-minute walking test were administered in thirty-seven older adults aged 75 4 years. Carotid and femoral blood flow, blood pressure and heart rate were measured continuously. There was a 15 % increase in heart rate and a 60% decrease in femoral blood flow upon tilt. Women had greater heart rate increases upon tilt. Despite a two fold range in walking distance no relationships were found between the response to tilt and physical capacity. In conclusion, a 60 tilt produced significant changes in carotid and femoral blood flow, heart rate and blood pressure. Heart rate and blood pressure showed the expected gender differences, while blood flow was not affected by gender. Physical capacity did not influence cardiovascular responses in a healthy elderly population.