How is an orthostatic test useful in fitness and health support?

If you are involved in medicine or sports, then you already know that this procedure is associated with changes in pulse and pressure in the circulatory system under the influence of changes in the position of the body in space. But how and why does our heart rate change, and how can athletes benefit from an orthostatic test?

This question remains open for many. So let's figure out what is really happening to our body, causing such a sharp change in heart rate, and how, by making daily observations, any athlete can determine even hidden indicators of overtraining and overload of the autonomic nervous system.

When our body is in a horizontal position, the forces of gravity act approximately equally on all its parts, and with a sharp change in position to a vertical one, blood outflows from the upper parts of the body and deposits (stagnation) of that same blood in its lower parts. The degree of severity of the body's reaction, expressed in changes in heart rate and pressure, indicates its current condition.

Reasons for measuring heart rate

If the blood stagnates in the veins of the legs that are large enough in volume, it returns to the heart far from being in its full composition. And our main circulatory organ needs to compensate for the lack of blood return in order not to disrupt the normal trophism (nutrition) of various tissues and organs of our body.

Since the flow of venous blood is not enough, an increase in heart rate becomes a compensatory mechanism, that is, the heart begins to work faster, hence the increase in pulse.

In sports, the orthostatic test is an extremely important indicator of the stability of the cardiovascular system under load, and if minor instability is acceptable for young athletes, then in the case of adult athletes there are no such concessions.

A sharp rise is stressful for our body, so the centers of the sympathetic department of the autonomic nervous system are overexcited. This is the department that monitors the state of our internal organs in stressful situations. Due to its excitement, the neurotransmitter norepinephrine is released into the blood, which also helps to increase heart rate.

Depending on the fitness of the athlete’s body and the general state of the autonomic nervous system, the orthotest indicators will deviate significantly or within normal limits. Thus, with minimal time and effort, it is possible to quickly diagnose the condition of athletes by analyzing pulse rate and pressure. More accurate data on sympathetic arousal is shown by studying heart rate variability (HRV or HRV) using specialized applications.

Indications for the Schirmer test

The study is carried out if there is a suspicion of insufficient or increased production of tear fluid.

The main reasons why it can be produced more than normal:

• Ingrown eyelashes.
• Eye infections that cause increased watery eyes.
• Irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes.
• Allergy.
• Weather conditions – cold, strong wind.
• Use of certain medications.
• Blockage of the tear duct.

The main causes of lack of tear fluid:

• Heavy eye strain due to prolonged use of a smartphone or computer.
• Use of contact lenses.
• Age – after 50, the amount of tear fluid decreases.
• Dry indoor air due to heating and air conditioning.
• Windy weather.
• Frequent air travel.
• Hypovitaminosis, especially vitamin A deficiency.
• Smoking.
• A number of systemic diseases: diabetes mellitus, thyroid pathologies, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, facial paralysis and others.
• Taking certain medications: antidepressants, birth control pills and some others.
• Incomplete closure of the eyelids for various reasons.
• Recent laser vision correction.

All these situations, when there is a risk of an increase or decrease in the amount of tear fluid, should not be ignored. By performing a Schirmer test, you can notice the pathology and take action before it threatens your health. The procedure is recommended during an annual preventive examination, especially for older patients or those with heavy eye strain.

Symptoms of dry eye syndrome are also indicated for examination:

• Feeling of a foreign body and heaviness in the eyes.
• Quick fatigue.
• Redness.
• Dry eyeball
• Frequent blinking.

If one or more symptoms bother you for several days, you should consult an ophthalmologist and conduct a Schirmer test.

Test methods

There are the following methods for conducting an orthostatic test:

Active orthostatic test

The first, and most common among athletes, is an active orthostatic test. The idea is that they first take measurements in the person’s normal state, then measure the indicators while the person is in a horizontal position, after which the subject changes the position to a vertical one and the pulse is measured in a vertical position of the body over the next 3-5 minutes. Usually, the test is carried out in the morning, immediately after waking up.

Controlled test

The second, and most common among medical workers. It is used if there is a risk of fainting due to a sudden change in position.

This type of orthostatic test is also carried out first in a standard position, then in a horizontal position, but measurements of the vertical position are carried out much more interesting than in the first method. If, as mentioned above, a person has a risk of fainting, then the risks should be minimized, so the subject is tightly attached to the bed and, instead of actively rising, the position of the bed is changed, measuring the pulse immediately and 3 to 5 minutes after rising. The violation of the accuracy and meaning of the study is minimal, because the change in gravitational forces remains the same, only the action of the muscles changes. An example in the picture for clarity.

Modified orthostatic test

And the third, modified orthostatic test, is suitable for weakened people. The technique is almost identical to the active orthostatic test, but the distinguishing factor is that the subject stands one foot away from the wall on which he rests his back. With this research method, in order for the patient to achieve a state of significant relaxation, a roller with a diameter of 12-14 cm is placed under the sacrum, due to this the angle of inclination becomes approximately 75-80 degrees, as a result of which the required body position is achieved

Taking measurements

Measurements in the orthostatic test can be carried out both by classical heart rate measurement (on the wrist, on the carotid or femoral arteries), and using heart rate monitors, the functions of which, today, are found in smart watches, smart bracelets and applications.

In practice, working with an orthostatic test does not end with getting your heart rate (HR) three or four times in a week; you must be able to correctly evaluate the results obtained. To do this, you need to rely on normal pulse and blood pressure values.

Norm and results of pulse measurement

Normal heart rate is 60-80 beats/min. Changes in heart rate when changing position can be assessed at the following levels:

• from 0 to +10 can be considered an excellent result
• from +11 to +16 – good
• from +17 to +22 – normal
• more than +22 – already unsatisfactory

Deviations in the negative direction (i.e., slowing of the pulse during an orthostatic test) are also considered an unsatisfactory result.

Norm and results of pressure changes

The normal deviation of systolic pressure (first indicator) is a deviation from 0 to +20

The normal deviation of diastolic pressure (the second indicator) is also a deviation from 0 to +20

For clarity, let's look at an example:

During the active test, the heart rate increased by 19 beats per minute, which corresponds to normal values

Further, the heart rate increased by 17 beats per minute, which again corresponds to the norm.

In addition to measuring heart rate, the minimum and maximum blood pressure was measured in both tests. Deviations above the norm are not observed; the subject has close to normal fitness of the cardiovascular system.

To save time, it is recommended to take blood pressure measurements once a week. Orthotest measurements of heart rate - at least 3-4 times a week in the active phase of the training cycle.

Contraindications

The Schirmer test in ophthalmology is a minimally invasive and safe procedure. But it is not carried out when:

• Eye injuries and deformed eyeball.
• Fistulas, ulcers and fistulas in the eyes.
• Erosion of the mucous membrane of the eye or cornea.

In these cases, there is a high risk of complications, inflammation, infection of the mucous membrane and other structures of the eye.

It is worth rescheduling the test in case of ARVI, runny nose and other diseases in which increased lacrimation is normal. Diagnosis during illness will be uninformative.

Who is recommended for an orthostatic test?

The study of orthostatic stability is quite simple and requires minimal costs, both energy and material.

• An orthostatic test is strongly recommended for athletes, especially for those whose sport is associated with changes in body position in space (artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatics, trampolining, diving, high jumping, pole vaulting, etc.)
• Also, an orthostatic test is often performed by those people who are trying to maintain the condition of varicose veins in good shape, thereby monitoring the effectiveness of training and other procedures.
• Everyone else who cares about their own health is recommended to regularly carry out an orthostatic test, and the mechanism of its implementation is so simple that everyone has the opportunity to conduct an orthostatic test at home,

If we take into account the number of devices that facilitate an already fairly easy study, take for example various kinds of “smart” watches like the Polar smart watch, then this study becomes tantamount to prevention.

How to take measurements

When starting data collection, six baseline measurements must be completed over a period of no more than two weeks. Take the average. This is your baseline. It should be understood that basic orthostatic tests should be performed during normal training weeks. It is advisable to avoid ultra-intense workouts to which your body is not yet accustomed.

Once baseline data has been obtained and a baseline has been established, it is recommended to continue testing at least two to three times per week. This way, if there is a sudden change in training volume or intensity, you can compare the new orthotest values ​​with the normal level and determine the level of your overtraining. A heart rate deviation of more than +25 points (while maintaining all initial conditions) is a clear signal of under-recovery of the body.

An orthostatic test is performed in the morning, on an empty stomach, immediately after waking up. It is advisable to take key measurements after a recovery day (deviation should be minimal) and after a training day (higher deviation is expected). You can also do research before and after your workout. Tests in the absence of training or with irregular training may not be reliable enough. After a break of two or more weeks, it is recommended to re-establish the initial (basic) indicators

During the test itself, you must lie or sit quietly. Remember, for subsequent trials, you should have the same starting position as the previous times.

The advantage of such watches is that they allow you to test them at home, in the gym, at work and in other places convenient for you. The only important thing is that nothing should disturb you at the time of the study; you should exclude any distracting factors, such as sounds, smells, flashes of light and even people.

2-3 hours before the procedure, stop smoking, food and alcohol. It is recommended to carry out the test regularly and at the same time, then you can achieve more accurate results.

Methods of taking measurements using modern means

In modern conditions, an orthostatic test can be carried out using a watch with a built-in heart rate monitor, specialized applications on a smartphone, and other available cardio sensors.

Ophthalmologists

• Bamburova Tatyana Vladimirovna
  Experience: 24 years

  Ophthalmologist of the highest qualification category

  Rating: 0/5 — 0 votes

  Make an appointment

• Bukley Vera Nikolaevna

  Experience: 25 years

  Ophthalmologist of the highest qualification category

  Rating: 0/5 — 0 votes

  Make an appointment

• Protsenko Antonina Aleksandrovna

  Experience: 10 years

  Ophthalmologist

  Rating: 0/5 — 0 votes

  Make an appointment

The natural lubricant of the human eye is tears. This is a liquid that is produced by the lacrimal glands, and in addition to facilitating movement, it protects the eye from foreign bodies and pathogens. When the amount of tear fluid decreases, a person experiences discomfort, dry eye syndrome develops, and visual acuity and antibacterial protection of the eyes may decrease. Excess tear fluid leads to lacrimation.

A simple and quick test - the Schirmer test - allows you to understand whether there are disturbances in the amount of tear fluid. The method was invented by the German doctor Otto Schirmer and, despite its simplicity, this method is successfully used in modern ophthalmology. Just a few minutes and the ophthalmologist knows whether the eye is moisturized enough to remain healthy. An additional advantage is that the Schirmer test is affordable.

Using a smart watch

Let's look at the step-by-step instructions using a Polar watch as an example. Sample collection is similar in other models.

Select Tests > Orthostatic test > Relax and start measuring

The display shows the following message: Heart rate determination. After determining your heart rate, a message will appear on the display: Take a lying position and relax.

• As your heart rate begins to graph on the screen, relax and try to remain still for three minutes.
• Then, 3 minutes after the start of the orthostatic test, the watch will emit a sound signal and the message “Stand up” will appear on the display.
• You must remain upright for the next three minutes.
• After the end of the second stage, the watch will again signal with a sound signal that the orthostatic test has been completed.

If the test has to be interrupted, you can take the test again. Click the “back” button to cancel this procedure.

How to choose a watch

• Choose a watch with a heart rate monitor.
• Assess the requirements you place on the device. If you are new to sports, do not overpay for the brand and extra functionality, take the basic model.
• Please note additional features. Such as GPS, altimeter or maps. For some this will be a necessity, but for others it will be a pleasant addition at the right time. Consider the brands Garmin, Polar, Suunto, Sigma.

We recommend two models with advanced features that can help you at different stages of sports training and include the ability to take an orthostatic test.

Smart watch Polar V800 H1

This model is perfect for serious sports. A nice addition will be the protection of the watch from shocks, scratches, water, snow and other damage. They hold a charge for up to 30 days. Suitable for both cyclic and strength training and endurance training.

As for the medical stuff, Polar V800 allows you to take orthostatic tests, determine the maximum oxygen capacity (VO2max), calculate the RR intervals of the cardiac cycle (HRV) and much more.

Polar 430 sports watch

The device uses the most accurate optical heart rate monitor in its class, which allows continuous heart rate monitoring. The watch weighs only 51 grams and holds a charge for up to 10 days. The Polar Flow system contains training programs for races of 5, 10 km, half marathon or marathon, which are scheduled for every day for 2-3 months. The system also makes it possible to create a personal training plan with the ability to further track progress.

Just like the previous model, it allows you to track aerobic running efficiency and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max). Analytics of sleep duration and quality is also available. A nice addition is the built-in GPS system.

Using mobile applications

If you still haven’t decided on the need to buy a sports watch, but want to control your health indicators now, you can use alternative methods. Namely, applications that will always be at your fingertips.

Today, there are already many applications that can quite accurately read a person’s pulse using a camera directly from the tip of the finger. Here are some of them:

Runtastic Heart Rate Pulse and Heart Rate

This application will allow you to find out your heart rate in any place convenient for you. The application also has a statistics function, thanks to which you can track your data

Unique Heart Rate Monitor

The application allows you to read your pulse and immediately enters the result into statistics, asking you what state you were in, taking measurements, be it rest, training or time after training. A nice addition will be the ability to leave a comment for each result.

Azumio Heart Rate Monitor

The application is entirely in English. Compared to the previous ones, it takes a little longer to read the pulse. It also allows you to leave notes for each result.

Blood Pressure History

There are applications that have the function of reading pulse and pressure at the same time, for example Blood Pressure History

Like the previous one, this application is entirely in English, but the functionality can be understood even with complete ignorance of the language. Calculates systolic, diastolic pressure and heart rate by touching the phone screen with your finger. Keeps a history log of your past measurements.

Well, the last application that we would recommend to those who want to get more serious sports indicators on the screen of their smartphone

HRV4Training

The application is paid, but by downloading it, you will receive not only more accurate indicators, but also the possibility of both classical and orthostatic data collection. Plus, the program has the ability to synchronize with the training log in other applications. But you must understand that you can only get the full range of functions if you have an HR heart rate monitor

With this set of knowledge about the orthostatic test and how to take its measurements, you are fully prepared for self-diagnosis and better training.

Benefits of diagnostics at the Kutuzovsky Children's Center

There are many advantages to undergoing diagnostics in a diagnostic and treatment center:

• Experienced and highly qualified doctors.
• A full range of services for the whole family in one building - we can quickly get all the necessary diagnostic services at a convenient time: laboratory tests, ultrasound, MRI and other hardware diagnostic methods, and get consultations with doctors of the required specialization.
• Affordable pricing policy.

You can sign up for this and other examinations and find out the cost by phone.