Cardiovascular adaptations to repeated valsalva manoeuvres in powerlifting athletes

Abstract

Powerlifters utilise a unique breathing pattern known as the Valsalva manoeuvre (VM) in order to help them move maximal loads. This pattern of breathing is thought to impact a powerlifter's cardiac morphology; however, the functional consequences of this are still unknown. The VM has profound implications for the cardiovascular system, with heart rate and blood pressure demonstrating four phases of reciprocal behaviour. This study proposed that there may be observable differences in the cardiovascular response to the VM when comparing powerlifters to those who are Valsalva-naà ve. It was also speculated that changes in the expiratory pressure of the VM may influence the cardiovascular response. The final question was whether any of the differences observed were dependent on sex. This study found that there were statistically significant differences in the heart rate and blood pressure response exhibited by powerlifters when compared to sedentary controls. For instance, the blood pressure change in Phase I of the VM was 28mmHg in powerlifters compared to 15mmHg in sedentary (p

Date of Award	2021
Original language	English