Baroreflex Sensitivity and its association with Physical Activity in Elderly Population

Abstract

Background: Baroreflex sensitivity is a negative feedback mechanism that is responsible for buffering or maintaining blood pressure in its normal range. The literature indicates that baroreflex sensitivity naturally declines with age, leading to a higher risk of developing hypertension.

Objective: To measure the frequency of sensitivity and determine its association with physical activity among the elderly.

Methodology: This cross-sectional correlational survey was carried out at Fauji Foundation Hospital and Shifa Eye Trust Hospital in Rawalpindi over six months, from February to July 2019. The sample size was calculated using Raosoft. Healthy elderly participants aged above 60 years, both sedentary, and active elderly participants were included and the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) was used as a pre-screening tool to exclude high-risk populations. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) categorized physically active to sedentary participants. Baroreflex sensitivity was assessed via the Valsalva maneuver. Pre and post-values of Blood pressure, pulse, Oxygen saturation, and Valsalva Maneuver were obtained.

Results: Out of 201 participants, according to IPAQ categories, 139(69.2%) participants were vigorously active, 48(23.9%) were moderately active and 14(7.0%) were not active (Sedentary). The Spearman ’s-Rho test was applied to find the correlation among all variables, which showed that only pulse and physical activity had a significant association between each other.

Conclusion: The study concluded that there was no significant association between physical activity and baroreflex sensitivity except pulse.

Keywords: Baroreflex, Elderly, Valsalva’s Maneuver.