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01-02-2020 | Original Article

Autonomic cardiovascular adaptations to acute head-out water immersion, head-down tilt and supine position

Authors: Florian Chouchou, Vincent Pichot, Frédéric Costes, Mailys Guillot, Jean-Claude Barthélémy, Laurent Bertoletti, Frédéric Roche

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 2/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Thermoneutral head-out water immersion (WI) and 6° head-down tilt (HDT) have been considered as suitable models to increase central blood volume and simulate autonomic cardiovascular adaptations to microgravity, swimming or scuba diving. However, any differences in autonomic cardiovascular adaptations are still unclear. In this study, we hypothesized that WI induces a higher activation of arterial baroreceptors and the parasympathetic system.

Methods

Ten healthy men underwent 30 min of WI, HDT, and a supine position (SP). RR intervals (RRI) and blood pressure (BP) were continuously monitored. High frequency power (HF), low frequency power (LF) and LF/HF ratio were calculated to study sympathetic and parasympathetic activities, and a spontaneous baroreflex method was used to study arterial baroreflex sensitivity (aBRS). Lung transfer of nitric oxide and carbon monoxide (TLNO/TLCO), vital capacity and alveolar volume (Vc/VA) were measured to study central blood redistribution.

Results

We observed (1) a similar increase in RRI and decrease in BP; (2) a similar increase in HF power during all experimental conditions, whereas LF increased after; (3) a similar rise in aBRS; (4) a similar increase in Vc/VA and decrease in TLNO/TLCO in all experimental conditions.

Conclusions

These results showed a cardiac parasympathetic dominance to the same extent, underpinned by a similar arterial baroreflex activation during WI and HDT as well as control SP. Future studies may address their association with cold or hyperoxia to assess their ability to replicate autonomic cardiovascular adaptations to microgravity, swimming or scuba diving.

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Title: Autonomic cardiovascular adaptations to acute head-out water immersion, head-down tilt and supine position
Authors: Florian Chouchou
Vincent Pichot
Frédéric Costes
Mailys Guillot
Jean-Claude Barthélémy
Laurent Bertoletti
Frédéric Roche
Publication date: 01-02-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 2/2020
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-019-04278-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Autonomic cardiovascular adaptations to acute head-out water immersion, head-down tilt and supine position

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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