Effect of handlebar gripping on blood pressure during cycle ergometry

The effects on SBP, DBP and HR of gripping the cycle ergometer handlebar during dynamic cycle ergometry were evaluated in 39 healthy males. Heart rate, SBP and DBP were measured at 150 Watt power load while gripping and not gripping the handlebar of a cycle ergometer. The sequence of gripping first or second was randomized. No differences in SBP, DBP or HR were shown under the two treatments. For submaximal cycle ergometry the influence of static handgrip on the handlebar does not seem to have a significant influence on SBP, DBP or HR response to dynamic exercise.