Abstract

Background: Substantial physiological and morphological differences between the gender may influence the cardiovascular adaptation and adjustment to static exercise.

Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine gender differences in acute cardiovascular responses to isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise at 30% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC).

Materials and Methods: An observational and cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 apparently healthy young adults of both sexes (M:30, F:30) aged between 18 and 22 years. Participants performed IHG exercise at 30% of MVC for 3 min or till fatigue. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse rate, and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded at rest, 1st min of exercise, at 3rd min of exercise, and 2 min after the end of exercise. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse pressure (PP), and rate pressure product (RPP) were calculated. To find out gender differences, all pre- and post-exercise parameters were compared between the groups using an unpaired student’s t-test with a significant P value of < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval.

Results: At rest and during IHG exercise, SBP, DBP, PP, MAP, and RPP were significantly higher in males. While heart rate (HR) and SpO2 was not affected by gender during the IHG exercise.

Conclusion: Research, therapeutic, and diagnostic approaches should take gender differences in physiological cardiovascular adaptation to static exercise into account.

Key words: Exercise; Isometric; Cardiovascular Responses; Gender