Blood pressure changes during the game of squash.

Abstract

The extent and pattern of the blood pressure response to the playing of squash was studied in five healthy volunteers using intra-arterial blood pressure recordings. Systolic pressure increased more than diastolic, but by only 18% of basal, peaking 5.2 +/- 2.3 min into the game (mean game duration 49 +/- 4 min). Thereafter there was a progressive decline, with reducing pulse pressure towards basal. There was a marked and significant increase in beat-by-beat blood pressure variability (P less than 0.01) and systolic peaks of up to 200 mmHg were recorded. A peak heart rate of 171 +/- 25 beats min-1 occurred at 20 min. These findings do not support the concept of a disproportionate and prolonged pressor response induced by playing squash. The possibility of high single-beat systolic peaks still justifies some caution in subjects at risk of arterial rupture.