Effects of Isometric Exercises on Balance, Heart Rate, Pulse Ox and Blood Pressure
Effects of Isometric Exercises on Balance, Heart Rate, Pulse Ox and Blood Pressure
Determine the effects repeated isometric exercises have on balance, blood pressure, heart rate and pulse ox. Another outcome measure will be a mental speed test (how quickly a subject can process information and make decisions based upon that information).
Subjects will complete a mental speed test and will undergo Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) testing using the modified Clinical Testing of Sensory Integration in Balance (mCTSIB) protocol: the subjects will be required to stand on a hard or compliant surface (a 4" tall foam cushion of known mechanical properties) in a comfortable posture, feet shoulder width, with eyes open or closed, head straight and arms to the side and free to move, gazing forward, and breathing normally. Immediately prior to the CDP testing, subjects will have their heart rate, blood pressure and pulse Ox measured. These will constitute the baseline information.
Subjects will then be divided into two groups: the isometric exercise group (they will be instructed to perform specific isometric exercises three times a week, for the next 8 weeks) and the control group (no exercises will be prescribe to them).
The same testing procedure indicated above will be followed at the end of the 8 weeks. The mental speed test, CDP testing, heart rate, blood pressure and pulse Ox will constitute the follow-up information.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: