The Effect of Elevation and Venous Occlusion Pressure on Cardiovascular Function in Physically Active Men Who Are Paraplegic

Abstract

The purpose of the present investigation was to: 1) Determine the relationship between cardiac output (estimated using the acetylene rebreathing methodology) and oxygen consumption in a homogeneous group of men who are paraplegic. 2) Investigate whether lower limb elevation increases stroke volume and decreases heart rate at rest and during submaximal arm exercise. 3) Investigate whether the application of constant circumferential pneumatic pressure applied to dependent lower limbs increases stroke volume and decreases heart rate at rest and during submaximal arm exercise.