Elucidating the Effects of Two and Ten Minutes of Lower Body Positive Pressure on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in College Age Adults 18-30 Years Old

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two and ten minutes of lower body positive pressure (LBPP) at a percent unloading of 75%, 50%, and 25% body weight on resting systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) and heart rate (HR) in a standing position. One group was exposed to two minutes of LBPP (6 males and 4 females) while group two was exposed to ten minutes of LBPP (3 males and 7 females). Resting HR, SBP and DBP measurements were recorded every two and ten minutes. A repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed across conditions to analyze data at the p<.05 significance level. Data suggest that LBPP did significantly alter barometric pressure, while systolic/diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were found not to be significant across conditions. Treadmills that utilize LBPP are safe to used and do not significantly affect SBP, DBP and HR.