Physiological Response caused by Different Loading Methods

--During Isometric Movement with the Same Loading Weight--

Abstract

With the object of elucidating the influence of difference in functioning muscle mass on physiological response, oxygen intake, heart rate and blood pressure during isometric movement of quadriceps muscle of thigh were investigated in four healthy subjects (adult male). Subjects were ordered to sit on a chair with the knee angle 90 degrees, and four different loading methods were used: 1)right ankle weighted with 10-kg weight, 2)left ankle weighted with 10-kg weight, 3)both ankles tied together with cuff belt and weighted with 10-kg weight, and 4)both ankles each weighted with 5-kg weight (10 kg in total). Loading time was 2 minutes, and results were measured by the Latin Square method using subjects, experimental order, and loading methods as its factors. Heart rate during isometric movement caused by loading method 1)showed lowest, and that caused by loading method 3)showed highest, being significantly affected by the difference in loading methods. It was suggested that the higher physiological response was generated by the more muscle mass that functions.