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Biomedical subjects

J Stegemann

Publications and source records attributed to J Stegemann.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Effect of graded changes in extracellular muscle volume on cardiovascular drives during static exercise.

The effects of graded changes in peripheral extracellular volume on heart rate and blood pressure during isometric exercise were studied in 12 healthy male subjects. Each subject performed four calf ergometer tests with each calf. In all tests, static plantar flexion of one foot was performed in a supine body position with the knee joint flexed to 90 degrees. After a pre-exercise period of 18 min, during which the calf volume was manipulated, the subjects had to counteract a spring force of 120 N for 8 min. In the pre-exercise period the peripheral extracellular volume of the calf muscle to be tested was manipulated in four ways. Test 1:15 min of rest in the exercise position. During the last 3.5 min, the calf volume was increased by venous congestion [80 mmHg (10.67 kPa) applied to the distal part of the thigh by pneumatic cuff]. Test 2: the same protocol as in test 1 but with 7.5-min venous congestion. Test 3:15 min of venous congestion. Test 4: the calf volume was decreased by a negative hydrostatic pressure for 15 min (calf raised about 40 cm above heart level). To clamp the changed calf volume, the thigh cuff was rapidly inflated to 300 mmHg (40.0 kPa) at the end of the volume manipulation and the subjects remained resting for a further 3 min. In test 4, the leg of the subject was passively brought into the exercise position. The occlusion was maintained until 2 min after exercise. The calf volume manipulation led to changes ranging from +105 ml (test 3) to -134 ml (test 4) as measured by water displacement plethysmography. The blood pressure response to exercise was inversely related to the calf volume changes while the heart rate response during exercise showed no clearcut relationship to the pretreatments.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Effects of microgravity on interstitial muscle receptors affecting heart rate and blood pressure during static exercise.

Afferent nerve fibers from receptors situated in the interstitium of skeletal muscles can induce cardiovascular reflexes. It has been shown that these interstitial muscle receptors are also sensitive to the local state of hydration: increased heart rates and blood pressure values were seen during dynamic and static exercise after local dehydration on earth. Since weightlessness leads to a persisting fluid loss in the lower part of the body, we hypothesized that leg exercise in space would augment heart rate and blood pressure responses to a similar extent as during local, interstitial dehydration on earth. Initial measurements during weightlessness were obtained in one subject after 6 days of space flight. Heart rate and blood pressure responses to light static foot plantar flexion (18% of maximal voluntary contraction) were recorded in two sessions. To eliminate the influence of muscle perfusion, exercise was performed during a period of arterial occlusion obtained by means of pneumatic cuffs at mid-thigh level. Identical protocols were used in the pre- and postflight controls, which were performed both in the sitting posture and in a -90 degrees tilted sitting posture assumed 30-40 min before arterial occlusion. During weightlessness the exercise responses of heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure closely followed the tracings obtained with the tilted sitting posture on ground. The response amplitudes in these states of reduced lower limb volumes (about 20/min and 20 mmHg, respectively) exceeded the responses in the supine position by a factor of at least 2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Blood Pressure↗
PubMed1993

Automated low-redundancy large-scale DNA sequencing by primer walking.

Low-redundancy automated DNA sequencing by primer walking is described. T7 DNA polymerase is used together with computer-selected walking primers and fluorescein-dATP as internal label to sequence large plasmids or cosmids directly on a standard DNA sequencer with an error rate below 1% up to 500 bases (in the unedited raw data). The low error rate allows efficient sequencing with low (2-3 times) redundancy. Plasmid subclones covering 20 kb of a cosmid insert were sequenced with an overall redundancy of 2.7 in the course of the European community Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome sequencing project. Neighboring plasmid subclones were linked by direct cosmid sequencing. Sets of ten walking primers are synthesized on the EMBL multiple segmental DNA synthesizer at low costs and used for sequencing with greater than 95% efficiency. The accuracy of the directed approach is improved by simultaneous walking on both strands by designing two primers in opposite directions in the same starting region. One primer is used to confirm sequence data on the opposite strand, and the other primer to obtain new sequence data.

Autoanalysis↗
PubMed1993

Higher capillary filtration rate in the calves of endurance-trained subjects during orthostatic stress.

The effect of endurance training on the rate of transcapillary filtration during orthostasis was studied in the human calf. Two groups of sports students with markedly different aerobic capacities performed an orthostatic tilt table test (25 min supine, 10 min upright, 10 min supine). The following parameters were measured: heart rate, brachial and peripheral blood pressure (Finapres), calf volume changes (impedance), and calf blood flow (venous-occlusion-technique). The two groups did not differ in maximal calf circumference, body height, or weight. No syncope occurred, and heart rate and blood pressure responses to upright tilt were similar in both groups. However, the capillary filtration rate revealed much higher values in the trained group: 0.086 vs. 0.036 ml.min-1.100 ml-1. The estimated additional fluid accumulation in the interstitial space in trained subjects may be as high as 260 ml within the first 20 min of orthostasis and may play a role in often reported late syncopes, depending on the preexisting fluid state.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Influence of body position and pre-exercise activity on cardiac output and oxygen uptake following step changes in exercise intensity.

Parallel measurements of breath-by-breath oxygen uptake, cardiac output (Doppler technique), blood pressure (Finapres technique) and heart rate were performed in nine subjects during cycle ergometer exercise in the upright and supine positions. Transients were monitored during power steps starting from and leading to either rest or lower levels of exercise intensity. Oxygen uptake (VO2) and cardiac output kinetics were markedly faster than in all other conditions when exercise was started from rest. In contrast to exercise-exercise on steps, the computed arteriovenous difference in O2 content increased almost immediately in this situation, indicating that not only the additional energy expenditure due to the acceleration of the flywheel but also an increased venous admixture from non-exercising parts of the body contributed to the early kinetics. The off kinetics generally showed a more uniform pattern and did not simply mirror the on transients. The present findings indicate that transitions from rest should be avoided when muscle VO2 kinetics are to be assessed on the basis of VO2 measurements at the mouth.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Cardiovascular limitations of active recovery from strenuous exercise.

Recovery from muscle fatigue after exercise is known to have two beneficial effects: improved blood lactate elimination and a central nervous recuperation of the capacity for exercise. This study indicates circulatory mechanisms that might limit active recovery. Ten subjects were seated on a cycle ergometer and performed arm cranking exercise at an anaerobic intensity which was for each individual in three periods of 6 min, alternating with recovery intervals of 14 min. In two randomly assigned tests, recovery consisted either of passive sitting (control) or cycling at 80 W for 12 min. Both tests terminated with an identical final passive rest period of 25 min. In the cycling test arm cranking led to a heart rate increase which was further elevated with each repetition, while in the control test no differences were shown among the cranking periods. No corresponding difference was found for oxygen consumption. During the 25 min of final rest, the cycling test showed arterial hypotension and elevated heart rate both of which were absent in the control tests. Venous-occlusion-plethysmography revealed a postcranking forearm hyperaemia. In the cycling test hyperaemia was markedly reduced with the onset of cycling due to vasoconstriction; this effect was absent in the control test. A reduction in blood lactate occurred faster in the cycling test, mainly at the onset of cycling. Total plasma fluid loss combined with forearm fluid uptake was accentuated and prolonged by cycling recovery. Recovery exercise performed by muscles other than those that were fatigued could have led to arterial hypotension (shock-index about 1) through both plasma fluid loss and additional vasodilatation depending on the muscle mass involved.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Blood pressure and heart rate during rest-exercise and exercise-rest transitions.

The transients of mean arterial blood pressure (BPa) and heart rate (fc) during rest-exercise and exercise-rest transitions have been studied in six healthy sport students. After 5 min of rest in an upright position on a cycle ergometer they exercised for 15 min and remained seated for a further 5 min. The subjects exercised at four different constant intensities (40 W, 80 W, 120 W, 160 W) in random order separated by at least 24 h. The BPa was determined by a noninvasive and continuous method. During the first minute of exercise, three phases of response could be distinguished, with the first two showing no clear relationship to intensity. Phase 1 consisted of simultaneous increases in both fc and BP during the first 6 s. In phase 2, BPa decreased while fc continued to increase. During phase 3, BPa and fc approximated constant values or a linear increase. Both parameters showed no comparable intensity-independent reactions during the off-transients. In conclusion, during the first 15 s of rest-exercise transitions there seems to be a fast and uniform cardiovascular drive which overrode other influences on fc.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Dynamic linearity of VO2 responses during aerobic exercise.

The multifrequent pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS) technique is a useful tool for studying oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics within the aerobic range. However, the validity of this multifrequent test may be limited by nonlinearities generated by the circulatory and pulmonary system. To check for such nonlinear effects, we compared the frequency responses computed from two PRBS protocols with the results of pure sinusoidal frequencies varying in amplitude and mean values (periods between 50 s and 450 s). According to our results the VO2 frequency response does not seem to depend on the type of testing--PRBS or sine--or the changes within each test, i.e. mean power and power amplitude of the sine tests and the switching frequency of the PRBS. In the range of higher frequencies small differences between the test conditions may have been obscured by the greater scatter of dynamic responses. It was concluded that the VO2 frequency response was quasi-linear for periods down to the least 100 s. However, even in this range nonlinearities can be provoked by rest-exercise transitions, by a varying contribution of lactate or by an insufficient noise reduction.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Beat-by-beat analysis of cardiac output and blood pressure responses to short-term barostimulation in different body positions.

Rapid quantification of the human baro-reflex control of heart rate has been achieved on a beat-by-beat basis using a neck-chamber with quick ECG-triggered pressure changes. Referring to recent findings on heart rate and stroke volume, the present study uses this technique to compare cardiac output as well as blood pressure changes in supine and upright position to investigate feedback effects and to confirm postural reflex modifications not revealed by RR-interval changes. A suction profile starting at +40 mmHg and running 7 steps of pressure decrease down to -65 mmHg was examined in 0 degree and 90 degrees tilting position while beat-by-beat recordings were done of heart rate, stroke volume (impedance-cardiography) and blood pressure (Finapres (tm)) (n=16). The percentual heart rate decrease failed to be significantly different between positions. A suction-induced stroke volume increase led to a cardiac output almost maintained when supine and significantly increased when upright. A decrease in all blood pressure values was found during suction, except for systolic values in upright position which increased. Conclusively, (a) it is confirmed that different inotropy accounts for the seen gravitational effect on the cardiac output not represented by heart rate (b) identical suction levels in different positions lead to different stimuli at the carotid receptor. This interference has to be considered in microgravity studies by beat-by-beat measurement of cardiac output and blood pressure.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

The influence of different space-related physiological variations on exercise capacity determined by oxygen uptake kinetics.

Oxygen uptake kinetics, following defined variations of work load changes allow to estimate the contribution of aerob and anaerob energy supply which is the base for determining work capacity. Under the aspect of long duration missions with application of adequate dosed countermeasures, a reliable estimate of the astronaut's work capacity is important to adjust the necessary inflight training. Since the kinetics of oxygen uptake originate in the working muscle group itself, while measurements are performed at the mouth, various influences within the oxygen transport system might disturb the determinations. There are not only detraining effects but also well-known other influences, such as blood- and fluid shifts induced by weightlessness. They might have an impact on the circulatory system. Some of these factors have been simulated by immersion, blood donation, and changing of the body position.

Bed Rest↗
PubMed1992

Influence of calf muscle contractions on blood flow parameters measured in the arteria femoralis.

Ten healthy male subjects performed single (< 1 s), sustained and intermittent plantarflexions (up to 40 s) of one foot in sitting exercise position. Two different absolute forces were applied, which, in terms of maximal voluntary contraction, ranged between 5%-10% and 25%-30%. Blood velocity was continuously recorded in the proximal arteria femoralis by means of the Doppler technique. Heart rate (HR) and mean blood pressure (BP) were simultaneously determined using standard ECG and the FINAPRES method. Despite the distance between the proximal arteria femoralis and the exercising muscle the Doppler data showed: effects of single contractions on the individual Doppler data, the influence of consecutive contractions, variation with exercise intensity and differences between sustained and intermittent contractions. In all exercise tests there was an immediate significant increase in blood velocity at the onset of exercise. The major part (range 52%-73%) of the response to the 40 s tests was seen during the first 6 s. It was followed by a second phase of adjustment which depended on the type of exercise and exercise intensity. The single plantarflexion provoked increases in blood velocity for about 20 s. A comparison of HR and BP tracings with the Doppler data demonstrated the importance of local mechanical factors for the perfusion of the exercising muscle. The early adjustment of muscle perfusion were not correlated to the systemic blood pressure and, therefore, appeared to be related to muscle pump effects. The subsequent flow values were influenced by passive vessel compression and changes in local vasomotor tone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1991

A model for studying the distortion of muscle oxygen uptake patterns by circulation parameters.

The transmission of muscle oxygen uptake (VO2) patterns to the pulmonary site is a basically nonlinear process during unsteady state exercise. We were mainly interested in three questions concerning the dynamic relationship between power input and pulmonary VO2 output: 1. To what extent can linear system analysis be applied? 2. What is the relative influence of muscle VO2 on pulmonary VO2 as compared to other parameters such as muscle perfusion kinetics? 3. To what extent does pulmonary VO2 reflect muscle VO2? Investigations were performed by means of a mathematical model including a muscle compartment and two serial, flow-varying time delays. The non-exercising parts of the body were incorporated as one term for perfusion and one for VO2. Parameters were adjusted so as to represent a reference state of aerobic exercise while monofrequent sinusoidal changes in aerobic metabolism were used as forcing signals. The following answers were derived from the simulations: 1. Non-linear distortions of the VO2 signals are negligible provided that analyses are not driven too far into the higher frequency range (periods shorter than about 1 min). 2. Variations of muscle VO2 kinetics have greater effects on pulmonary VO2 than changes of perfusion kinetics or venous volume. This finding applies irrespective of whether or not pulmonary VO2 closely reflects muscle VO2. 3. Small differences in the time constants for muscle perfusion and muscle VO2 are a major prerequisite if pulmonary VO2 kinetics are to be taken as correct estimates of muscle VO2 kinetics. High basal muscle perfusion, small perfusion changes and small venous volumes between muscle and lungs are further factors reducing dynamic distortions of the muscle VO2 signal.

Exercise↗
PubMed1991

The interstitial fluid content in working muscle modifies the cardiovascular response to exercise.

The volume of interstitial fluid in the limbs varies considerably, due to hydrostatic effects. As signals from working muscle, responsible for much of the cardiovascular drive, are assumed to be transmitted in this compartment, blood pressure and heart rate could be affected by local or systemic variations in interstitial hydration. Using a special calf ergometer, eight male subjects performed rhythmic aerobic plantar flexions in a supine position with dependent calves for periods of 7 min. During exercise heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen uptake (VO2) and blood lactate concentrations were measured in two different tests, one before and after interstitial calf dehydration through limb elevation for 25 min, compared to the other, a control with unaltered fluid volume in a maintained working position. Impedance plethysmography showed calf volume to be stabilized in the control position. Leg elevation by passive hip flexion to 90 degrees resulted in a fast (vascular) volume decrease lasting less than 2 min, followed by a slow linear fluid loss from the interstitial compartment. Then, when returned to the control position, adjustment of vascular volume was completed within 2 min and exercise could be performed with dehydration remaining in the interstitium only. Cardiovascular response was identical at the start of both tests. However, exercising with dehydrated calves elicited a significantly larger increase in heart rate compared to the control, whereas VO2 was identical. The blood pressure response was shown to be only slightly enhanced. Structural interstitial features varying with hydration, most likely chemical or mechanical ones, may have been responsible for this amplification of signals.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

On the reliability of the Penaz cuff during systemic and local fingertip vasodilatation at rest and in exercise.

To compare the readings of blood pressure by the Riva-Rocci (RR) method with those of peripheral arterial pressure (PAP) as recorded by the Finapres (FP) device, exercise was performed by six male subjects on a cycle ergometer at a constant exercise intensity of 140 W. In addition, forearm volume was determined by impedance plethysmography. At rest, systolic FP values exceeded RR values by greater than or equal to 10 mmHg. During 60-min exercise both values at first increased almost in parallel with each other. While RR reached a plateau after 3 min, FP then started to decrease continuously up to the 10th min and finally stabilized at 20-30 mmHg below RR. The impedance values showed a similar declining slope, indicating vasodilatation. To separate the effects of sympathetic drive from heat elicited vasodilatation, a second experimental series was performed with ischaemic static calf exercise (5 min, 90 N), since this increases the sympathetic tone but prevents systemic heat distribution. In contrast to findings reported from intra-arterial measurements, no exercise effect on the pulse pressure amplification was obtained. However, the heating of one fingertip distal to the FP-cuff led to a significant decrease in PAP compared to the control recording made simultaneously from the other hand. It was concluded that heat induced vasodilatation may make FP unrepresentative of systemic blood pressure, in particular during exercise. Moreover, the FP-cuff seemed to induce substantial vasoconstriction due to venous occlusion. The FP method would therefore be useful for monitoring continuously systemic blood pressure if no (dilative) vasomotor changes occurred or their ranges and time courses were known sufficiently well.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Comparison of V'O2 kinetics in upright and supine position.

Oxygen uptake (V'O2) kinetics during exercise depends in particular on muscular aerobic capacity and cardio-vascular parameters. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of body position on the V'O2 kinetics as determined by means of the PRBS technique. 9 healthy male volunteers performed bicycle ergometer exercise in both upright and supine position. No significant changes were seen in normalized gains and phase shifts of the power-V'O2-relationship. It is concluded that the differences in venous blood volume distribution and cardiac output associated with upright and supine position do not have major effects on power- V'O2-gains.

Cardiac Output↗