Journal of applied physiology
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Supine cycling plus volume loading prevent cardiovascular deconditioning during bed rest.
There are two possible mechanisms contributing to the excessive fall of stroke volume (and its contribution to orthostatic intolerance) in the upright position after bed rest or spaceflight: reduced cardiac filling due to hypovolemia and/or a less distensible heart due to cardiac atrophy. We hypothesized that preservation of cardiac mechanical function by exercise training, plus normalization of cardiac filling with volume infusion, would prevent orthostatic intolerance after bed rest. Eighteen men and three women were assigned to 1) exercise countermeasure (n=14) and 2) no exercise countermeasure (n=7) groups during bed rest. ⋯ We conclude that daily supine cycle exercise sufficient to prevent cardiac atrophy can prevent orthostatic intolerance after bed rest only when combined with plasma volume restoration. This maintenance of orthostatic tolerance was achieved by neither exercise nor dextran infusion alone. Cardiac atrophy and hypovolemia are likely to contribute independently to orthostatic intolerance after bed rest.