The cardiocirculatory reaction to isokinetic exercises in dependence on the form of exercise and age.

Although isokinetic training is gaining in importance in prevention and rehabilitation, even for older patients, there is hardly any information available on the extent of cardiocirculatory stress. This study was aimed, therefore, at examining the cardiocirculatory reaction to various isokinetic forms of exercise in dependence on age. Sixty-four subjects between 22 and 60 years of age were assigned to four age groups and the maximum torque measured in concentric and eccentric exercises with various angle accelerations. Moreover, all subjects underwent 1-min concentric and eccentric endurance stress and an isometric test. The cardiocirculatory reaction as reflected in heart rate and blood pressure patterns was determined, as well as the plasma catecholamines adrenaline and noradrenaline measured. The eccentric maximum torque was significantly above the concentric maximum torque; there was a significant inverse relationship to age only in the concentric mode of exercise (r = -0.48; p < 0.01). The cardiocirculatory reaction in endurance stress and isometry, like the behavior of heart rate, blood pressure, and plasma catecholamines, was greatest in concentric exercise, although the maximum strength values were lower, followed by eccentric exercise and isometry. Exercise values such as those attained in maximum ergometric forms of exercise were not reached. It is concluded that no special precautionary measures are required in isokinetic forms of exercise.