Effects of an inverted position on blood pressure, pulse rate, and deep tendon reflexes of healthy young adults.

This study reports the effects of an inverted position on pulse rate, blood pressure, and deep tendon reflexes of the biceps muscle, triceps muscle, and Achilles tendon. Twenty healthy adults were used as subjects. We collected data both before and after the subjects were in the inverted position for eight minutes on a specially designed tonic labyrinthine inverted table. A significant decrease in systolic blood pressure and all tendon reflexes was observed along with a significant increase in diastolic blood pressure (p less than .05). Pulse rate showed no change. The findings indicate that the inverted position is likely to be effective for decreasing muscle tone and systolic blood pressure. Although this study used healthy subjects, the inverted position may be used as a therapeutic technique, provided the clinician monitors closely the physiological effects on patients.