Noninvasive Laboratory Exercise Demonstrating Blood Pressure Response to Isometric or Straining Forms of Exercise

A simple method of demonstrating blood pressure changes during isometric or straining forms of exercise in a teaching laboratory is valuable. Techniques involving cannulation of an artery require patient consent and are time consuming. The present paper describes a technique that uses a Biopac MP30 data acquisition unit, Biopac Student Lab PRO software, and modified sphygmomanometer to determine and analyze systolic and diastolic blood pressures during an isometric contraction; resistance is produced via a modified hydraulic leg press. This method is safe, noninvasive, easily calibrated, and provides a rapid measurement and analysis of the data.