Effect of Cardiovascular Fatigue on Postural Stability

Abstract

Context:Previous research has demonstrated that localized leg muscle fatigue induced by lower extremity exercises (e.g., squat jumps, sprints, and treadmill running) has an adverse effect on postural stability.Objective:To assess the effect of cardiovascular fatigue induced by upper extremity exercise on postural stability.Design:Repeated measures.Participants:Fourteen healthy young adults between the ages of 22 and 30 years (7 male and 7 female).Intervention:Participants performed an exercise protocol on an upper-body ergometer to induce cardiovascular fatigue.Main Outcome Measures:Postural sway, represented by center of pressure excursion, during bilateral standing in two different foot positions.Results:In a tandem standing position, mediolateral mean distance, root mean square distance, resultant power, and centroidal frequency increased signifcantly after inducement of cardiovascular fatigue.Conclusion:Cardiovascular fatigue adversely affects postural stability.