VARIATION OF BLOOD PRESSURE WITH SKELETAL MUSCLE TENSION AND RELAXATION

Abstract

A Cambridge string galvanometer was used to record the action currents of the muscle as an index of its tension. Records were obtained from the arm flexor muscles and from the abdominal region. The string sensitivity was: 1 cm. equals 3 or 4 millivolts. A Tycos self recording sphygomanometer was used to record the blood pressure. 19 records from 17 different subjects were obtained. The blood pressure varied with emotion and change of posture. Prolonged rest caused no marked reduction in pressure after the initial drop due to change in posture. Both systolic and diastolic pressures varied with state of skeletal musculature tension.