Cardiovascular response to anticipatory and reactionary postural perturbations in young adults.

New Findings: What is the central question of this study? It has been suggested that the cardiovascular responses to a postural perturbation are centrally mediated and reflex mediated. We wanted to know the extent to which the cardiovascular responses to external perturbations could be executed in a feedforward manner, in anticipation of the perturbation. What is the main finding and its importance? We found no anticipatory component driving heart rate and systolic blood pressure responses, suggesting that reflexive mechanisms dominate cardiovascular regulation after a postural perturbation in young adults.

Cardiovascular response to postural perturbations of different intensities in healthy young adults.

The ability to regain control of balance is vital in limiting falls and injuries. Little is known regarding how the autonomic nervous system responds during recovery from balance perturbations of different intensities. The purpose of this study was to examine the cardiovascular response following a standing balance perturbation of varying intensities, quantify cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (cBRS) during standing perturbations, and to establish the stability of the cardiac baroreflex during quiet standing before and after balance disturbances.

End-tidal carbon dioxide levels in patients with post-concussion syndrome during neurocognitive and physical tasks compared to a normative control group.

Primary Objective: Recent findings suggest breathing may negatively affect performance after concussion. The aim of the study was to examine group differences between individuals with and without post-concussion syndrome (PCS) in end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO) and respiratory rate (RR) during neurocognitive and physical tasks.

Hypothesis: Individuals in the PCS group will have elevated ETCO and lower RR compared to the control group.