THE NASAL RESPONSE TO ISOMETRIC-EXERCISE

The cardiovascular response to isometric exercise is well understood. However, the response of the nasal mucosa is less well known. We have attempted to document this response in normal individuals. Ten individ uals with no history of nasal disease or allergy were studied. All sub jects were asked to perform sustained handgrip on the side of the obst ructed nostril for a period of 5 min at 30% of maximum voluntary effor t. Nasal cross-sectional area was measured on both sides of the nose u sing an acoustic rhinometer. The individuals were then rested for at l east 30 min and the test repeated with pressure applied by the opposit e hand. Statistical analysis was performed by non-parametric methods. There was a significant fall in nasal cross-sectional area on the side of exercise median change = 0.09 cm(2), P < 0.01) while cross-section al area in the contralateral nasal passage increased (median change = 0.35 cm(2), P = 0.01). There was no significant differences between th ese results and those obtained by handgrip on the opposite side. The r esults indicate that isometric exercise produces nasal obstruction (is otonic exercise) and both afferent and efferent arms of this reflex ar e side-specific.